Station Review #59: Bells Corner (SEPTA)


Bells Corner Loop is a bus loop in the Bells Corner neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia. The bus loop exists as a turnback point for the 59 bus. 

History

The 59 was inagurated as a trolley route in November of 1922, ran by the PRT from Arrott Transportation Center to Bustleton and Lott Streets. Bells Corner was built as a turnback loop for short turns. 

Old post card photo of the first trolley in Bustleton, taken at the present day location of the Kelly's Seafood restaurant. 

The old 59 trolley ran the same route as the present day 59, but instead would continue up Bustleton avenue (including what is now present day "Old" Bustleton Avenue) and then up Welsh road, before going back onto Bustleton avenue and ending in the middle of the road at Lott street. The old 59 had two turnback looks 

This arrangement worked pretty well until the late 40s, when the PTC (successor to the PRT) wanted to run PCCs. PCCs are not double sided, and Bustleton had no loop. Between this, Roosevelt Boulevard having lanes added and becoming incredibly risky to cross, and the creation of a new right of way for Bustleton avenue and shutting down the old bridge with the tracks on it, PTC had no choice but to cut the 59 trolley. 

Recolored photo of the 59 trolley, 1930s

First, they cut it back to Bells Corner loop, and created a new bus called the 59b that would serve the areas of Bustleton avenue past Castor avenue, and then instead go to Frankford via Bustleton avenue. Later, it was cut further back to Cottman Avenue, as there was a newly built loop called the Alma loop, and then it was completely killed off in 1950. The 59 then started using trolleybuses to replace that old trolley service, and was never extended back to Bustleton and Lott. 

After this, the Bells Corner loop did not change much. In 2010, Bells Corner loop was completely renovated and made accessible. 

Tour


This loop is actually pretty nice in my opinion. There is a lot here for a small bus loop. 

Most of the loop's amenities involve this building, remodeled in 2010. 

Actual benches! 

Honestly this is such a nice bus loop, considering some other bus loops in the SEPTA network are much worse places to wait. 

Employee bathroom and break room

Garden and bike racks

Yes, this bus loop is bike friendly!

Stairwell and ramp to Bustleton Avenue

Tree in the middle of loop

And of course, a 59 bus at the loop


Bus Connections

There is only one immediate bus connection to Bells Corner loop is the 58, which goes between Frankford Transportation Center and either Rennard Street, County Line Road, or Neshaminy Mall via Bustleton Avenue. 

Points of Interest in Bells Corner


Mural on Bustleton Avenue

Bells Corner has a lot more in it than it may seem. The small neighborhood is bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, Pennypack Park, Rhawn Street, Algon Avenue, and Solly Avenue. In this small area there are a few interesting things:

• Bells Market - A supermarket fashioned out of an old A&P that also was a Staples that has decor from an old Acme. Sells food and products from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and SWANA, though most especially Eastern Europe. 

• Louis Farrell K-8 School - Not a place you'll be visiting, but it is interesting to note how much of the loop's ridership comes from that school

• The Dunkin Donuts directly behind the loop - Do I need to explain this one?

• Bells Corner Toll House - Originally, Bustleton Avenue was a toll route when it was built. This was one of the toll houses. It's the white house shown below


• Pegasus Stables - Horses!

• Pennypack Park - There is an entrance on Axe Factory road. 

Statistics


Name: Bells Corner
Agency: SEPTA
Line(s): 59
Locality: Bells Corner
City/Township: Philadelphia 
County: Philadelphia 
State: Pennsylvania 
Ridership: Unknown, possibly around 300 or so per day.  


Amenity Checklist


Some vestige of accessibility: ✓
Employee bathrooms: ✓
Clean: ✓
Connections to other transit routes: ✓
Easy to get around: ✓
Lighting: ✓ 
Maps: ×
Seating: ✓
Shelters: ✓
Something for fares: ✓ (Fares on the bus)
Station in Good Condition: ✓
Updated Signage: ✓ 

Final Verdict: 9.5/10

The only thing this needs is maps of the 58 and 59 buses. Otherwise, this would be a 10/10. 


Station Directory


--------Philadelphia County--------
Bells Corner
Alma
Arrott Transportation Center 

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