Until a fully renovated ACME Markets opens at 40th and Walnut streets in Fall of 2020, members of the Penn community still have plenty of options for their grocery needs: The Gourmet Grocer is conveniently located in 1920 Commons and Heirloom Market is adjacent to campus at 34th and Chestnut streets.
In addition, Penn Transit has new services that provide students, faculty and staff free transportation to an additional four stores.
“To assist during this transition, Penn Transit has added new services, routes and transit stops, allowing anyone with a valid PennCard free and convenient access to four local grocery options,” says Brian Manthe, senior director of Business Services.
The following options are now available:
- South Square Market, 2221 South St.—Penn Bus East has a designated stop at 22nd and South streets
- Supreme Shop ‘n Bag, 44th and Walnut streets—Penn Bus West will stop at 44th and Walnut streets
- Mariposa Food Co-op, 4824 Baltimore Ave.—Penn Bus West has a designated stop at 48th Street and Baltimore Avenue
- Trader Joe’s, 2121 Market St.—The Grocery Shuttle operates Thursday and Saturday evenings from 6:30 p.m. (first pickup at Franklin’s Table) to 9:55 p.m. (last pickup at Trader Joe’s)
According to Michael Randolph, senior associate director of Penn Transit, anyone interested in using Penn Transit Services should consider downloading the PennRides app.
“The app shows you the exact location of our buses and the Grocery Shuttle,” Randolph explains, “so riders can know in real time when the next vehicle will arrive and can plan their trips accordingly.”
For more information about these services, as well as details about all Penn Transit’s offerings, visit www.upenn.edu/PennTransit/grocerytransit.
The new University City ACME is expected to enhance the 40th Street corridor in making a vibrant campus and neighborhood, according to Anne Papageorge, vice president of Penn’s Facilities and Real Estate Services.
“We are delighted to welcome ACME to our growing retail lineup, anchoring 40th Street as a welcoming and attractive neighborhood shopping corridor,” says Papageorge. “ACME’s commitment to delivering an excellent all-around experience for our shoppers aligns with Penn’s commitment to providing a high-quality grocery store to the residents of University City, including the Campus community.”
