The entire complex is owned by SEPTA, while the PATCO areas are leased by the Delaware River Port Authority, which operates that line.

For decades the corner of 8th and Market was a retail hub for the city, with major department stores Strawbridge's, Gimbels and Lit Brothers all located at the intersection and all containing direct access to the subway station.

[3] The east-west upper level platforms (now Market–Frankford Line) opened on August 3, 1908, as part of the first extension of the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company's 1907-opened Market Street Subway.

Beginning in 1949, Ridge Spur and Bridge Line trains were through-routed, reversing at Market Street station.

[8] Over the weekend of August 23–27, 1968, tracks at the station were reconfigured as part of the construction of the Lindenwold High-Speed Line (PATCO Speedline).

This mezzanine area also connects to the lower level of the Fashion District Philadelphia shopping mall.

Trains on this platform level formerly used a now-abandoned track to connect to the Locust Street subway (now part of the PATCO Speedline).

As a Broad Street Line station, columns and accent work on the platform are painted orange.