by Jackie Dolopei
August 18, 2026
Categories: Development Updates, News, Transit,
There was plenty to celebrate at the Navy Yard on Tuesday, August 11, as employees, stakeholders, community partners, and guests gathered to welcome SEPTA Route 45. The ceremonial arrival marked the direct SEPTA bus service between Center City and the Navy Yard seven days a week for the first time in more than a decade, with service officially beginning August 23.
As the bus made its way into the Navy Yard, the crowd was ready to celebrate, cheering its arrival and marking an exciting new chapter for the campus and the people who work, live, and visit here.
Adding to the celebration, we were joined by a very special guest: the Phillie Phanatic, because even he is excited for this extension! The Phanatic brought his signature energy to the Navy Yard, helping us celebrate the arrival of Route 45 and making the day even more memorable for everyone in attendance.
Following the bus arrival, guests gathered for remarks from Kate McNamara, Executive Vice President of the Navy Yard at PIDC, and Scott Sauer, General Manager of SEPTA.
With more than 16,000 employees, 150+ companies, residential communities, healthcare facilities, parks, and other destinations across the campus, the Navy Yard continues to evolve as one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
“PIDC has been leading the transformation of the Navy Yard for 26 years, and today, we’re celebrating the launch of SEPTA’s new 45 bus service, which will connect the Navy Yard directly with South Philly, Center City, and SEPTA’s expansive transit network,” said Kate McNamara, Executive Vice President of the Navy Yard at PIDC. “The launch of Route 45 has 9 stops at the Navy Yard connecting riders to major employers, health care, parks, neighborhood destinations, and residential buildings making the Navy Yard easier to access for the thousands of people who work, live, receive medical care, and visit here every day.”
For SEPTA, the new service represents an opportunity to connect even more riders with the Navy Yard and the opportunities located here.
“SEPTA is looking forward to seeing the first in-service Route 45 buses rolling through here with the start of our new bus network Phase 1 on August 23,” said Scott Sauer, General Manager of SEPTA. “The Route 45 extension is the result of close collaboration between SEPTA, PIDC, the City of Philadelphia, businesses here at the Navy Yard and so many others to understand the demand for transit service at this bustling job center and residential community.”
The celebration continued with a community reception at AVE Normandy, the Navy Yard’s first residential community — another milestone in the campus’s transformation into a place where people can work, live, visit, and spend time.
Beginning August 23, Route 45 will serve nine stops throughout the Navy Yard, connecting riders to major employers, residential communities, healthcare facilities, parks, and other destinations across the campus. The route will also connect with the Broad Street Line at NRG Station, making it easier for riders from across Philadelphia to reach the Navy Yard.
The new service complements PIDC’s existing Navy Yard Transit services, which will continue to provide connections from Center City and NRG Station, as well as transportation throughout the Navy Yard.
The arrival of Route 45 represents more than a new bus route. It is another important investment in connecting the Navy Yard to the rest of Philadelphia and expanding access to the jobs, business, healthcare, and other opportunities growing here.
Welcome to the Navy Yard, Route 45!
Service officially begins Sunday, August 23, 2026, with seven-day-a-week service between Center City and the Navy Yard.
Learn MoreAbout SEPTA Route 45
Route 45 service begins August 23, with nine stops throughout the Navy Yard and connections to Center City and the Broad Street at NRG Station.