by Alex Smith
June 2, 2026
Categories: Development Updates, Transit,
A major transit milestone is coming to the Navy Yard this August!
As part of SEPTA’s New Bus Network initiative, they are extending the Bus Route 45 to the Navy Yard, introducing direct, one-seat service from Center City to the Navy Yard, seven days a week, with buses expected to operate daily at approximately 20-minute intervals. This milestone represents one of the most meaningful improvements for connecting Philadelphians to economic opportunity.
With SEPTA rolling out a redesigned bus network across the Philadelphia region, the system is being reimagined to better reflect how people travel today, with more direct routes, clearer connections, and more reliable service. The existing Navy Yard Transit shuttle continues to play an important role, working in tandem with Route 45 to provide flexible, accessible connections throughout the campus.
Reliability and simplicity are at the heart of the extension. By reducing the need for transfers and aligning service more closely with travel patterns, SEPTA is making transit a more practical option for more riders. For Navy Yard employees, that translates to less time spent planning around connections and more time focused on work, family, and the routines that matter most.
The impact extends beyond convenience. The Navy Yard continues to grow as one of the region’s major employment centers, home to a diverse mix of companies and career opportunities. A stronger, more direct transit connection from Center City opens the door for a broader range of Philadelphians to access quality jobs, while also supporting employers in reaching a larger workforce. Together, the Route 45 extension and the Navy Yard Transit Shuttle network create a more comprehensive and resilient transportation system for the Navy Yard.
This is where transportation and economic development intersect in a very real way. When people can reliably get to work, training programs, and career pathways, it creates momentum not just for individuals, but for the entire regional economy. The Route 45 extension helps reduce barriers to entry, supports workforce participation, and makes it easier for residents to pursue opportunities that may have previously felt out of reach.
It also reflects a larger shift in how the city is thinking about transit. Investments like this recognize that mobility is about more than getting from point A to point B; it’s about access, connectivity, and the ability to grow. A more connected Navy Yard means stronger links between neighborhoods and jobs, and a transportation system that better supports how people live and work today.
As the Navy Yard continues to evolve, this kind of transit investment will be essential to unlocking its full potential. The extension of Route 45, paired with the continued strength of the shuttle system, is a meaningful step forward – delivering a simpler, more reliable commute and expanding access to opportunity for all Philadelphians.
stay connectedSee What Route 45 Means for You
A new, direct connection is coming. Learn how the Route 45 extension will simplify commutes and expand access across the region.