Editing Jefferson Station

'''Jefferson Station''' is a SEPTA Regional Rail station in Center City Philadelphia, serving as the eastern terminus of the Center City Commuter Connection tunnel. Located beneath Market Street between 10th and 12th Streets, the station provides access to the Reading Terminal Market, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and Center City East destinations. Originally known as Reading Terminal for its connection to the Reading Railroad's historic train shed, the station was renamed Jefferson Station in 2014 following a naming rights agreement with Thomas Jefferson University.<ref name="septa">{{cite web |url=https://www.septa.org/stations/jefferson |title=Jefferson Station |publisher=SEPTA |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

The original Reading Terminal opened in 1893, with the grand train shed above the terminal becoming an iconic Philadelphia landmark. The terminal served the Reading Railroad's commuter and intercity services, with the train shed's single-span roof representing a significant engineering achievement. The Reading Terminal Market, which opened in 1893 beneath the train shed, became Philadelphia's premier public market.<ref name="septa"/>

Declining passenger traffic and railroad financial troubles reduced the terminal's importance through the mid-twentieth century. The Reading Company's 1971 bankruptcy and Conrail's subsequent assumption of commuter services led to eventual SEPTA operation. The historic train shed, no longer needed for rail operations after Amtrak consolidated intercity service at 30th Street Station, was converted for use as the Pennsylvania Convention Center.<ref name="septa"/>

The Center City Commuter Connection, opened in 1984, constructed a new underground station replacing the surface terminal. Trains now continue through the tunnel to Suburban Station and 30th Street Station rather than terminating at Reading Terminal. The through-running enabled by the tunnel improved service while the underground station replaced the historic above-ground platforms.<ref name="septa"/>

The 2014 renaming from Market East Station to Jefferson Station followed a naming rights agreement with Thomas Jefferson University, whose Center City campus and hospital complex are located nearby. The naming generated some controversy given the station's historic Reading Terminal association, though the Jefferson name has become established through use.<ref name="septa"/>

== Station Design ==

The underground station occupies multiple levels beneath Market Street, with platforms serving all SEPTA Regional Rail lines. The contemporary design reflects 1980s construction aesthetics rather than the historic character of the original Reading Terminal above. Connections to the Market East SEPTA station (serving the Market-Frankford Line), the Reading Terminal Market, and the Gallery (now Fashion District Philadelphia) mall create an interconnected transit and retail complex.<ref name="septa"/>

Platform levels provide access to tracks through which all Regional Rail trains pass. The station's position as the eastern tunnel terminus means trains from all lines serve the station, providing connections throughout the regional rail network. The underground configuration required significant excavation beneath existing buildings and streets, with construction coordinating around ongoing transit operations and building foundations.<ref name="septa"/>

Accessibility features include elevators connecting platform and concourse levels with street-level entrances. The 1980s construction incorporated accessibility provisions more readily than older stations requiring retrofit. Wayfinding improvements have addressed the station's complex configuration with its multiple levels and connections.<ref name="septa"/>

== Connection to Reading Terminal Market ==

Direct access between the station and the Reading Terminal Market enables commuters and visitors to reach the historic market without surface street exposure. This connection has supported market vitality by improving accessibility, particularly during inclement weather. The market's blend of prepared food vendors, produce merchants, and specialty retailers attracts both daily commuters seeking lunch options and tourists exploring Philadelphia's culinary offerings.<ref name="septa"/>

== Operations ==

All SEPTA Regional Rail lines serve Jefferson Station, with trains continuing through the Center City tunnel to Suburban Station and 30th Street Station. The station's centrality makes it accessible from throughout the regional network. Service frequencies vary from rush-hour peaks with trains every few minutes to less frequent off-peak service.<ref name="septa"/>

The station's location serves Center City East destinations including the Convention Center, Chinatown, Independence Mall, and the Thomas Jefferson University complex. Commuters destined for eastern Center City may exit at Jefferson Station rather than continuing to Suburban Station, distributing passenger loads across tunnel stations. The Market-Frankford Line connection at the adjacent Market East SEPTA station enables transfers to the city's east-west rapid transit line.<ref name="septa"/>

== See Also ==
* [[Reading Terminal Market]]
* [[30th Street Station]]
* [[Suburban Station]]
* [[SEPTA Regional Rail]]
* [[Pennsylvania Convention Center]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Jefferson Station - SEPTA Regional Rail Station
|description=Jefferson Station (formerly Reading Terminal) is a Center City Philadelphia regional rail station with direct access to Reading Terminal Market and the Convention Center.
|keywords=Jefferson Station, Reading Terminal, SEPTA, Regional Rail, Reading Terminal Market, Market East, Center City Philadelphia, commuter rail
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Infrastructure]]
[[Category:Transportation]]
[[Category:SEPTA]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Market East]]