Sure, I could’ve easily done the hour-long walk from Southampton to Warminster after riding the 24. But…I’ve reviewed Warminster already. So of course I would opt for the 90-minute walk to the next station over, Hatboro! Wouldn’t you???

Getting to the station is as simple as just stepping onto it from the road. In fact, you have two roads to choose from: Byberry Road to the south and Moreland Ave to the north. The excitement! If you’re coming by car, there’s a 100-space lot right next to the station, a 75-space lot across from Byberry Road next to a big warehouse, and a 93-space municipal lot across from Moreland Ave. All cost a dollar a day. A whole two bike racks is provided by SEPTA, but there are an additional three in the municipal lot. The stop is also served by the 22 bus, although contrary to what the incredibly outdated bus stop signs on the road right next to the station proclaim, the route actually travels a block away.

The platform is super basic: it contains a couple of benches (both metal, one green, one silver), a wastebasket, and three Key Card validators. At least the building, which is only open during the morning rush, has more promise, offering charming wooden benches, a bathroom, a water fountain, and a ticket office. Also, quite bizarrely, a Boston Calling poster was pasted to the side of the building when I was here. Is it…that big of an event? Huh!

Station: Hatboro

Ridership: After neighboring Warminster, this is the second-busiest station on the line (with the next stop south, Willow Grove, being the third-busiest!), getting 500 boardings and 530 alightings per weekday. The parking lots don’t seem to fill up too much on a daily basis, and since the station is located right in downtown Hatboro, I would imagine a lot of people walk here!

Pros: It’s always great when a station is located in a downtown but also has parking. The lots aren’t intrusive, too: the one closest to the station and the municipal one are both pushed up against the tracks, while that second SEPTA lot takes advantage of existing space outside of a warehouse. The station platform is basic but it works, with sheltered benches and a pretty nice morning rush building.

Cons: Lack of wheelchair accessibility is the big one – this is a low-level platform. The fact that it’s single track and there are level crossings on either side is rough, too, but accessibility is the main thing!

Nearby and Noteworthy: I only had time to take a quick stroll down the main drag of Hatboro before grabbing my train, but man, I want to come back here! Among other things, the businesses include a music store, a specialty popcorn place, and a retro toy/record store!

Final Verdict: 6/10
With accessibility, I’d give it an 8. But accessibility is important, so Hatboro, I’m sorry, but it’s a 6 for you. Seriously, besides that, the station is pretty darn good, though!

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