Philadelphia lodging advice

[25Hz]

You could also take a look at levittown station on the trenton line and grab some photos, as the station is slated to be completely rebuilt in the near future. If you get off at levittown, an independence pass would still be valid, but add 5 dollars cash for each direction between trenton and levittown if you choose to go that way. Check the schedule before you head out anywhere to avoid long wait times on RRD, as most station buildings (bathrooms etc) are closed weekends and after 12:00 weekdays.

[ExCon90]

South Street bridge is just at the head of the north stairway at University City station. If you get tired standing, you can take the new "boardwalk" (actually masonry, but scored to look like a boardwalk) extending from the east end of the bridge alongside (and partly above) the river. From the first bench you come to (headed north) you can see both Amtrak and the High Line (and to the left, the rail bridge over the Schuylkill to Greenwich Yard); by looking behind you you can see CSX trains, both moving and standing.

[Arborwayfan]

So I did take the South Street Bridge and the boardwalk. Great views. Also rode parts of trolley lines 10, 34, and another one, elevated out to see the beginnings of the high-speed line and suburban trolley lines, and the airport line both ways.

Thanks for all your advice!