How Philly Transformed a Trolley Station Into a Garden

Transit hubs are more than just places to wait for the train, bus, or trolley — they are opportunities.

In the Greater Philadelphia region, millions of SEPTA riders travel through these spaces each day, moving through them as they go to work, school and wherever else they need to go.

More often than not, they are paved, barren landscapes that contribute to urban heat island effect and stormwater runoff while offering minimal safety and comfort to riders. Yet there are ways to mitigate this unfortunate reality. Right here in West Philadelphia, a model of successful green stormwater infrastructure can be found at 40th Street’s Trolley Portal Gardens.