SEPTA announced that they will rehabilitate five bridges along the Chestnut Hill East Regional Rail Line beginning on Sunday, June 15 through Tuesday, September 2. As a result of this improvement project, the Chestnut Hill East Line will be suspended during this timeframe – meaning no trains will run on the line.
Attendees: Scott A. Sauer – SEPTA General Manager, Philadelphia City Councilwoman Cindy Bass, Anne McNiff, Executive Director, Chestnut Hill Community Association and David Gest, Executive Director, Chestnut Hill Conservancy
During the press conference, Councilwoman Bass had this to say, “I want to express my deep appreciation for the hardworking women and men of SEPTA. This city does not move without SEPTA—literally and figuratively. It is the backbone of Philadelphia’s economic engine, and we must never lose sight of the fact that without a strong and well-supported transit system, our city cannot thrive.
As we look toward the future, we also recognize the importance of having strong legislative champions in Harrisburg. This is a critical time for funding, and it’s essential that we invest in SEPTA to secure the foundation of our region’s mobility and economic strength.
I’d also like to thank our state delegation for their presence and ongoing support—Senator Art Haywood, Senator Sharif Street, and Senator Vincent Hughes have all been strong advocates. Together, we are working to ensure that Philadelphia’s transit infrastructure remains solid and sustainable.
This commitment is also personal for me. I have longstanding ties to SEPTA Local 234. And as someone who grew up in North Philadelphia without a car, I relied on SEPTA to get everywhere. It shaped my understanding of the city and connected me to every neighborhood. That experience was invaluable—and it’s something I want future generations to have as well.
I want to thank SEPTA for their nearly $40 million investment. That’s not a small number—it’s a serious commitment to our city and to our people. For those who worry about station closures or service reductions, this investment is proof that SEPTA is here to stay. It’s a clear signal that SEPTA is committed to serving our communities with strength and reliability.
Thank you again to SEPTA, to our elected officials, and to everyone working to keep our city moving forward.”
For more information or to schedule an interview with Councilwoman Cindy Bass, please contact [email protected].
About Councilwoman Cindy Bass: Elected to City Council in 2012, Councilwoman Cindy Bass represents Philadelphia’s 8th District, covering Germantown, Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, Logan, and parts of North and Northwest Philadelphia. A lifelong Philadelphian and graduate of Temple University, she has dedicated her career to enhancing public safety, expanding youth programs, and improving quality of life for her constituents. Councilwoman Bass serves on multiple key committees and is known for championing initiatives that address housing, education, public health, and community development. She has led efforts to improve parks and recreation centers, combat illegal dumping, and introduce inclusive play and fitness spaces. Her legislative work includes the Nuisance Business Bill and stronger penalties for catalytic converter theft. She also launched a paid Restorative Justice Circle Keeper program to train inner-city youth and remains active in workforce development, food access, and expungement services. Councilwoman Bass lives in East Mount Airy and continues to lead with a people-first, community-driven approach.
