551 Bus Schedule to Philadelphia⁚ A Comprehensive Guide
This guide provides a detailed overview of the NJ Transit 551 bus route to Philadelphia. Find schedules, maps, real-time tracking options, and contact information for seamless travel planning. Downloadable PDF schedules are also available for offline access.
Route Overview and Service Areas
The NJ Transit 551 bus route offers express and local service, connecting Philadelphia with numerous New Jersey locations. This extensive network spans a significant geographical area, ensuring convenient access for commuters and travelers alike. Key service areas include Atlantic City, Bridgeton, Camden, Cherry Hill Mall, Cinnaminson, Delran, Glassboro, Blackwood (Gloucester Premium Outlets), Hammonton (Farley Service Plaza on the Atlantic City Expressway), Maple Shade, Merchantville, Moorestown, Mt. Holly, Pennsauken Transit Center, Sicklerville (Avandale Park & Ride), and Willingboro Town Center. The route’s comprehensive coverage makes it a vital transportation link between Philadelphia and a wide swathe of Southern New Jersey. The 551 bus serves a diverse range of destinations, catering to various travel needs, from shopping at major malls to accessing employment centers and recreational areas. Its extensive reach makes it a crucial part of the region’s public transportation infrastructure.
First and Last Bus Times
The operational hours of the 551 bus route exhibit variability depending on the day of the week and specific destination. For instance, the earliest departure for Philadelphia from Gate 8 inside the AC Bus Terminal is at 12⁚55 AM. Conversely, the latest departure from the Greyhound Terminal (10th St/Filbert St) is at 11⁚40 PM, with an arrival in Philadelphia around 1⁚08 AM. Weekday service typically concludes earlier than weekend service; the precise cutoff times vary across different days and terminal locations. Some routes, such as those terminating at Atlantic City, have different operating hours compared to those directly serving Philadelphia. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the first and last bus times for your specific needs, it is highly recommended to refer to the official NJ Transit website or mobile application. These resources provide real-time updates and the most accurate schedule information available, ensuring you can plan your journey effectively. Remember that holiday schedules may also affect these times.
Downloadable PDF Schedules and Maps
For those who prefer offline access or find it more convenient to have a physical copy, NJ Transit offers downloadable PDF schedules and maps for the 551 bus route. These documents provide a comprehensive overview of the route, including all stops and their corresponding timings. Accessing these PDFs is generally straightforward, often through the official NJ Transit website. Look for a dedicated “schedules” or “downloadable maps” section, usually easily located in the navigation menu. The website often categorizes these documents by route number, making it simple to find the 551 bus schedule. Once downloaded, you can easily print the PDF for offline use. These offline resources are particularly useful for those traveling in areas with limited or no internet connectivity. Remember that while the online schedules are updated in real time, downloaded PDFs may not reflect the most current information. Therefore, it is always prudent to check the website for any recent changes or service alerts before starting your journey.
Real-time Tracking and Navigation Apps
In today’s digital age, real-time tracking of public transportation is readily available through various apps. For the 551 bus route to Philadelphia, several apps offer real-time tracking capabilities, providing up-to-the-minute information on bus locations and estimated arrival times at various stops. These apps often integrate with GPS technology to pinpoint the bus’s position and calculate arrival times based on current traffic conditions and other factors affecting travel time. Popular options include Moovit, which is frequently mentioned in relation to NJ Transit routes, and other transit-focused apps available on both Android and iOS platforms. Using these apps, you can easily plan your journey, monitor the bus’s progress, and receive notifications about potential delays or schedule changes. Many apps also offer route planning features, allowing users to input their starting point and destination, and receive optimized directions, including walking directions to nearby bus stops. This real-time information empowers passengers to make informed decisions and manage their travel time effectively. Remember to ensure your device has location services enabled for accurate tracking information.
Stop Locations and Route Maps
The NJ Transit 551 bus route boasts numerous stops throughout its journey, connecting various points in New Jersey with Philadelphia. Precise stop locations and a detailed route map are crucial for efficient travel planning. While specific stop names and their precise coordinates are not readily available in the provided text, online resources like the NJ Transit website or apps like Moovit offer comprehensive, up-to-date information on all stops along the 551 route. These resources typically provide visual maps displaying the entire route, clearly marking each stop with its name and location. Many also offer interactive features, such as zooming in on specific areas to identify nearby stops or searching for stops based on address or landmark. Furthermore, these maps often indicate the direction of travel, differentiating between stops served on inbound and outbound journeys. The ability to view a comprehensive route map in conjunction with the schedule is essential for passengers to accurately plan their trips and avoid any confusion about boarding points or potential transfers. Utilizing these readily available digital resources is recommended for optimal trip planning and navigation.
Weekday vs. Weekend Schedules
Understanding the variations between weekday and weekend schedules for the 551 bus route is vital for reliable travel planning. The provided text indicates inconsistencies in service frequency, suggesting a difference between weekday and weekend operations. While precise times aren’t consistently detailed, it’s clear that the 551 bus operates with varying schedules depending on the day of the week. Weekday service generally appears to run for a longer period compared to weekends. To access the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult official NJ Transit sources. Their website or mobile application will provide the complete timetable, clearly differentiating between weekday and weekend schedules. This allows passengers to plan their journeys effectively, avoiding potential delays caused by relying on outdated or incomplete data. The discrepancies highlighted in the text underscore the importance of referencing the official schedule to determine the exact departure and arrival times for the 551 bus route based on whether it’s a weekday or weekend.
Holiday Schedules and Service Disruptions
Planning travel around holidays requires careful consideration of potential schedule alterations on the 551 bus route. While the provided text doesn’t explicitly list holiday schedules, it strongly implies that service may be affected during holidays or other disruptions. Relying solely on the fragments of information available risks inaccurate journey planning. To avoid inconvenience, always check the official NJ Transit website or app for confirmed holiday schedules and any service changes before commencing your journey. These platforms provide the most up-to-date and reliable information regarding holiday operations and potential disruptions to normal service. Unexpected delays or cancellations can occur due to unforeseen circumstances, and checking the official sources is the best way to mitigate travel issues. Proactive planning, using the official NJ Transit resources for holiday-specific schedules, ensures a smooth and reliable travel experience on the 551 bus route.
Contact Information and Customer Service
For inquiries regarding the 551 bus route to Philadelphia, including schedule information, route changes, or service disruptions, several avenues for customer service are available. While the provided text mentions Moovit as a real-time tracking and navigation app, it lacks direct contact information for NJ Transit. To obtain accurate and updated information, it’s crucial to consult official NJ Transit channels. Their website should provide comprehensive contact details, including phone numbers for customer service representatives, email addresses for inquiries, and possibly a live chat feature for immediate assistance. Additionally, the website likely features a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section addressing common queries. Remember, relying on unofficial sources for critical information like customer service contact details may lead to inaccurate or outdated information. Always prioritize official NJ Transit communication channels for reliable assistance and support related to the 551 bus route to Philadelphia.
Alternative Transportation Options
While the NJ Transit 551 bus offers a direct route to Philadelphia from various New Jersey locations, several alternative transportation methods exist depending on your origin point and preferences. For those starting their journey within New Jersey, consider other NJ Transit bus routes or train lines that may connect to Philadelphia. Check the NJ Transit website for comprehensive route maps and schedules to identify suitable alternatives. If your starting point is closer to Philadelphia, regional rail lines like SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) offer extensive coverage within the city and surrounding areas. SEPTA’s website provides detailed information on train schedules, fares, and routes. For a more personalized and potentially quicker journey, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft provide convenient door-to-door transportation, although the cost might be higher than public transit. Finally, if you’re traveling with a car, driving offers flexibility but remember to factor in potential traffic congestion, parking fees, and tolls, especially during peak hours. The best alternative depends on your specific needs and circumstances; research all options to find the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your travel to Philadelphia.
Accessibility Information for Passengers
NJ Transit is committed to providing accessible transportation for all passengers. The 551 bus route, like other NJ Transit services, aims to meet accessibility standards for passengers with disabilities. Buses are equipped with features designed to accommodate wheelchair users, including ramps or lifts for boarding and designated securement areas for wheelchairs. Audio and visual announcements at bus stops and onboard provide important information about upcoming stops and route details. Passengers requiring assistance should inform the bus operator or contact NJ Transit customer service in advance of their trip to arrange for necessary support. Information regarding accessible features and services is available on the NJ Transit website, including details on how to request assistance. For those with visual impairments, detailed route maps and schedules are often available in accessible formats online. Always check the latest information on the NJ Transit website for any updates or changes to accessibility services. While efforts are made to ensure accessibility, individual needs may vary, and contacting NJ Transit directly is recommended for personalized assistance planning.