SEPTA Riders Take the Stage in West Philadelphia for Free Transit Arts Event
"Making All Stops" brings rider-written stories, songs and poems to The Rotunda on Oct. 17
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 9, 2026 — About 20 SEPTA riders will perform original stories, songs and poems about life on the region's buses, trolleys and trains at Making All Stops, a free community arts event on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St. in West Philadelphia.
The event is organized by Transit Forward Philadelphia, a nonpartisan grassroots coalition working to improve public transit in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Performers did not need to be professionals. Organizers asked only that they ride SEPTA.
The event comes as SEPTA's long-term funding remains unsettled. Pennsylvania's 2026-27 budget was signed in July without additional money for transit, and the stopgap funding that restored service is expected to run out in July 2027.
"Philly has no shortage of things to say about SEPTA, and most of them probably aren't printable on a family-friendly flyer," said Nico Meyering, a Transit Forward Philadelphia steering committee member and creator of the event. "But transit is also what makes this city special! It gets us to work, school, shows, neighborhood gatherings and the people we care about."
The program runs in two acts, with live music from Jason Das as doors open. Pieces include a song about the Route 34 trolley and an ode to the bus token. At the break, audience volunteers will play "Roll for Transit," rolling an oversized 20-sided die and sharing a SEPTA story to match the number. A transit-themed visual art display and an Art Mart with work by local artists will be open throughout.
The Rotunda donated use of the space. The venue is accessible, and Disabled riders are among the performers and musicians.
"Holding this event in an accessible venue really hits home," said Meyering, who is Disabled. "Arts and community spaces should be accessible, and I'm proud we have Disabled performers and musicians joining us on October 17th."
"We hear from riders at board meetings and budget hearings, usually two minutes at a time," said Stephen Bronskill, coalition manager of Transit Forward Philadelphia. "On Oct. 17 they get to tell their whole story."
Admission is free, and registration is open at transitforwardphilly.org/making_all_stops. Donations are optional and help cover event costs. Anything left over will be split equally among the participating performers and artists.
Members of the press are welcome to attend. Photo, video and interview opportunities are available
Transit Forward Philadelphia is a coalition of Philadelphia-based organizations working to improve public transit in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Its mission is to amplify the voices of riders and residents in support of a safe, accessible and sustainable transit network. Its rider-led accessibility audits have covered more than 450 transit stops. Learn more at transitforwardphilly.org.
Admission is FREE