New Wawa SEPTA station welcomes first riders and trains
MEDIA, Pa. (CBS) – It's taken a bit of time, but the first SEPTA trains are now running to-and-from the Wawa community in quite a while. The Wawa Station in the Media, Delaware County is finally up and running.
"First train left at 6:10, had about 50 people in it, no problems," Rich Mahon, a chief officer at SEPTA, said.
Aboard was passenger Arthur Hopkins.
"I heard about how they were reopening service," Hopkins said. "I remember, although I never took it when I was growing up, there was service all the way out to West Chester."
This rail service is a partnership between Wawa and SEPTA, and it shows from the artwork leading to the platform.
This is also SEPTA's first time servicing this area since 1985.
"One of the things I really like is the fact that we are reopening an old train line," Casey Gataherwicks said.
The original rail service was built to deliver milk throughout the city. The SEPTA train last served the area in 1986. Then, it was called Media/Elwyn Regional Rail. It is now called Media Wawa Line.
The rail service now provides transportation options for those living and working in Middletown Township, Chester Heights and surrounding communities.
"When I moved into Center City for college, I've just been really excited about being able to take trains where I need to go," Kyle Steepe said.
A newly-build parking lot nearby the station holds up to 600 cars. CBS3 was told that parking is free at the SEPTA station, at least until December.