Clean Air Council

“The Hub” is a weekly round-up of transportation related news in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Check back weekly to keep up-to-date on the issues Clean Air Council’s transportation staff finds important. 

Image Source: PlanPhilly

PlanPhilly: Roosevelt Boulevard’s speed cameras have been ‘overwhelmingly successful.’ It’s still Philly’s most dangerous roadRoosevelt Boulevard received speed cameras in 2020. Researchers found that these cameras led to a 95% reduction in speeding along the Boulevard, but despite this, the roadway remains the most dangerous road in Philadelphia. The city plans to redesign parts of the road and proposed improvements include extending and realigning curbs to reduce pedestrian crossing distance. Construction is estimated to start in 2027. 


Image Source: BillyPenn

BillyPenn: Philly floats plans for another intercity bus terminal City officials are planning to relocate Philly’sintercity bus terminal for the third time in less than a year. A new temporary terminal proposed to relocate to a privately owned lot next to a Lukoil gas station on Spring Garden Street will provide service for the Greyhound, FlixBus, Megabus, and Peter Pan buses. Advocates believe the proposed site has similar complaints to the current site. City officials aim for this site to improve passengers’ experience.


Image Source: WHYY

WHYY: Gov. Shapiro’s plan to boost mass transit aid passes Pa. House, but faces long odds in SenatePennsylvania’s House of Representatives approved Gov. Josh Shapiro’s plan to increase funding for public transportation. The Democratic-controlled chamber voted 106-95, with only one Democrat opposing and only five Republicans in favor. This bill would provide approximately a 20% increase in State aid to public transportation systems, “to avoid service cuts and fare increases when the federal COVID-19 relief aid runs out”. But this bill still faces long odds in the Republican-controlled Senate.


Other Stories

The Inquirer: What a 76ers arena in Center City would mean for parking, foot traffic, and SEPTA

Centre Daily Times: PennDOT issues new rules under update to school bus stop arm camera law

The Inquirer: Four takeaways from Philadelphia’s Washington Avenue redesign, according to the city

 PlanPhilly: New rules aim to boost EV sales as Philly drivers await more charging stations

The Inquirer: Delco’s Tyler Arboretum to reopen miles of trails closed by devastating beetle attack

“The Hub” is a weekly round-up of transportation related news in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Check back weekly to keep up-to-date on the issues Clean Air Council’s transportation staff finds important. 

Image Source: The Inquirer

The Inquirer: A big step forward for the Chinatown Stitch as $158 million is awarded to cap the Vine ExpresswayThe Chinatown Stitch, which is a project to reconnect Chinatown by capping parts of the Vine Street Expressway, was awarded a $158 million federal grant to build the cap. The Stitch will include a public park, traffic calming measures, and a connection to the Rail Park. This money is from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot grant program.


Image Source: Metro Philadelphia

Metro Philadelphia: Additional SEPTA Bus Revolution community meetings begin this weekSEPTA scheduled 8 more community meetings about its Bus Revolution. These meetings are scheduled from March 12 to April 4 in the 5th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Council districts, to give these neighborhoods additional opportunities to review the proposed changes. The Bus Revolution includes a decrease in the number of total bus routes, but an increase in the number of frequent routes, and better service on weekends and in the evening. Visit septabusrevolution.com to review specific changes and meeting schedules.


Image Source: Streetsblog USA

Streetsblog USA: Find Out How Much Your State Would Benefit From Cutting Car Travel –  There is a new tool that advocates can use to show how states would benefit if residents drive less. Cutting vehicle miles traveled will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce traffic congestion, and improve public health. It can also show how much taxpayers would save.


Other Stories

WHYY: Bike Trends and Trails, Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg, Beer and Cheese – What a Pairing

The Inquirer: This Philly bus driver is also a substitute teacher and public transit activist

BillyPenn: Meet the transit-savvy student on a mission to visit every SEPTA station

The Inquirer: Traffic safety, Washington Ave., and a new way of thinking about urban planning

Next City: An App That Helps Riders With Vision Loss Navigate Complex Transit Systems

“The Hub” is a weekly round-up of transportation related news in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Check back weekly to keep up-to-date on the issues Clean Air Council’s transportation staff finds important. 

Image Source: City of Philadelphia

City of Philadelphia: What We’ve Learned from the Washington Avenue Year 1 Evaluation ReportThe Washington Avenue Repaving and Improvement project was completed in 2023. This project aimed to improve safety and curbside management. Traffic calming measures including speed cushions were installed, and new loading zones were added, along with other improvements. According to the city’s year 1 evaluation results, the street is safer, greener, and more efficient. The city also found that between fourth and 11th street, where protected bike lanes were installed, bike volumes increased by 181%. Illegal parking was a mixed bag – double parking and median parking decreased, but there was an increase in sidewalk parking by 81%. The next evaluation is scheduled for March 2025.


Image Source: PhillyVoice

PhillyVoice: PennDOT, PA Turnpike Commission implement work zone speed camerasPennsylvania entities started to enforce the Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program, which Gov. Josh Shapiro made permanent by signing House Bill (H.B.) 1284 into law in December. This program tickets drivers at least 11 miles over the speed limit in an active work zone. The program aims to raise awareness and change unsafe driving behaviors to prevent work zone crashes. This legislation became effective on February 15th. First-time violators will get a warning letter in the mail, a $75 fine for the second offense, and a $150 fine for the third and other subsequent violations. 


Image Source: Post-Gazette

Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh officials recommit to goal of zero traffic related deathsBetween 2018 to 2022 fatal crashes in Pittsburgh increased by 70%. In response, Pittsburgh’s officials have recommitted to a “vision zero” plan, which aims to achieve zero traffic fatalities. With this recommitment, the city has invested approximately $1.4 million in the 2024 budget for traffic calming measures.


Other Stories

WHYY: Three trains involved in ‘collision and derailment’ in eastern Pennsylvania; no injuries reported

The Inquirer: NJ Transit says it needs $917 million, but riders say poor service doesn’t warrant paying more per ride

CBS News: SEPTA study using AI finds parking in bus lanes blocks safe access for disabled community

The Inquirer: New York is tapping the National Guard to combat crime on its subways. Here’s why Philly isn’t doing the same.

Government Technology: To Fund Micromobility, Connect It to Public Transit

“The Hub” is a weekly round-up of transportation related news in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Check back weekly to keep up-to-date on the issues Clean Air Council’s transportation staff finds important. 

Image Source: WHYY

WHYY: Philadelphia Navy Yard begins autonomous, electric shuttle serviceOn Tuesday, Philadelphia’s Navy Yard launched its driverless shuttle one-year pilot program. This program aims to reduce congestion and carbon emissions. Initially, the shuttle will have four stops within the Navy Yard with the next phase extending trips down Broad Street to NRG Station. The shuttle will operate from 10 am to 2 pm and can carry 9 passengers, a wheelchair, plus the operator. While the electric shuttle is good for the environment, autonomous vehicles have a track record of safety concerns. Public feedback will be gathered throughout the year, but this new program is already attracting pushback from drivers’ unions.


Image Source: BillyPenn

BillyPenn: Could Indego reinstate single-trip option amid online clamor? –  Approximately six years ago, the Indego bike share program removed its single-ride option due to a massive increase in bike theft. Since then users have complained on social media about the loss of the single-ride service. Currently, the cheapest service offered is a $ 15-day pass, creating a need for a cheaper single-trip option. With better security parameters, Indego plans to do some feasibility work to determine if they can bring back the single-trip pass.


Image Source: PhillyVoice

PhillyVoice: I-95 South to close overnight next week for highway capping projectAs a part of the $329 million project to cap I-95 at Penn’s Landing, there will be multiple road closures on sections of I-95 including“between the I-676 and Callowhill Street exit in Center City and the Morris Street on-ramp in Pennsport,” along with the I-676 east on-ramp to I-95 South. Closures will begin Monday night from 11pm to 5am and will last for four days. There will also be a south lane closure on I-95 in Center City between Market and South Street from 7-11pm each night. 


Other Stories

The Inquirer: Pictures of demolition on second weekend of I-95 closure

PlanPhilly: Why has SEPTA once again delayed its bus revolution?

WHYY: SEPTA considering regional rail service expansion this Fall

The Inquirer: License plate cameras coming to Betsy Ross, Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, and Commodore Barry bridges 

Streetsblog USA: Pedestrian Deaths Are Down — But They’re Still Higher Than Pre-Pandemic

“The Hub” is a weekly round-up of transportation related news in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Check back weekly to keep up-to-date on the issues Clean Air Council’s transportation staff finds important. 

Image Source: The Inquirer

The Inquirer: Soon you can pay for multiple SEPTA riders on one tripSEPTA plans to launch a multi-rider feature on Monday. This will allow the payment of up to five riders on the same SEPTA key card at the same time. Initially, this option will only be available to riders using a SEPTA Key card and it will be available on all services (bus, Metro, and Regional Rail). To activate this feature, cardholders will need to call a dedicated SEPTA customer service line. 


Image Source: Metro Philadelphia

Metro Philadelphia: Feds sending $317 million to SEPTA for new Market-Frankford Line carsSEPTA was awarded $317 million to replace the current Market-Frankford Line fleet which has required extensive repairs in recent years. This money is through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and is the largest competitive federal grant the agency has ever received. The Market-Frankford Line is the most used SEPTA service but needs new vehicles to provide the quality service that is required. 


Image Source: WHYY

WHYY: SEPTA delays the debut of rebuilt retro trolley cars, now expected in the springThe return of the classic PCC Trolley streetcars for Route 15 on Philadelphia’s streets has been delayed until this Spring. These trolleys were expected to be running in the Fall of 2023. The vehicles are in various stages of repair, with equipment being rebuilt in SEPTA’s shop. 


Other Stories

The Inquirer: Why did SEPTA rename the Norristown High Speed as the ‘M’?

BillyPenn: New state funding to survey possible Eakins Oval redesign 

PlanPhilly: Philly launches training program to grow and diversify electric vehicle workforce

PhillyVoice: Horse gallops along I-95 early Tuesday before being corralled by police

Pittsburgh Union Progress: Regional Transit Updating and Simplifying how riders pay

Clean Air Council is excited to announce we have been awarded the Play Everywhere Philly Challenge grant from KABOOM! and William Penn Foundation. This grant will support child development and literacy skills by creating play and learning spaces at entrances to Cobbs Creek Park. This project will transform four park entrances to include mural art on the paved trail and areas for children and families to learn and play together. 

The Council has partnered with Amber Art and Design and Tiny WPA to develop, design, and build art and play spaces in the vision of community members. Throughout the next several months we will be gaining inspiration and ideas from residents in order to guide the new play space designs. 

The project team has created a short survey as a starting place to learn more about what Cobbs Creek Park neighbors would like to see included in the design. We invite Cobbs Creek Park users and area neighbors to our first workshop which will include an evening of creativity, story sharing and imagination as we collectively envision and design mural art on trails and play areas for children and families. This free family-friendly event will take place on Wednesday, March 6th from 5-7:30pm at Christy Rec Center, located at 728 S 55th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143.


RSVP for the workshop at eventbrite.com and complete the survey using this link.

“The Hub” is a weekly round-up of transportation related news in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Check back weekly to keep up-to-date on the issues Clean Air Council’s transportation staff finds important. 

Celebrate Transit Equity with us and our partners Transit Forward Philadelphia and Sierra Club PA  on 2/10 from 10 am to 2 pm with a bus trip from Temple U to the Discovery Center in East Fairmount Park. Register today to reserve your spot.

The Hub will return on 2/23/2024

Image Source: PlanPhilly

PlanPhilly: Want speed cushions on your street? Philly is making it easier to request themThe city has streamlined the process for requesting traffic calming measures. Residents no longer need to send a letter to the city asking them to conduct a traffic calming study to determine if their street needs any traffic calming devices. All requests can now be made through Philly311 online, through the 311 app, or over the phone. The city also expanded the program making more streets eligible for traffic calming measures by reducing the minimum block distance from 1000 feet to 400. Residents are also now able to look online to see if their block is eligible. These updates will make the process easier and accessible to more residents, and greatly increase the portion of the High Injury Network that is eligible for traffic calming measures.


Image Source: The Inquirer

The Inquirer: SEPTA postpones bus network redesign — again — due to concerns from City Council membersFor the second time, on Thursday the SEPTA board canceled a vote on the Bus Revolution. This delay was due to concerns raised by members of City Council saying that constituents and new councilmembers didn’t have adequate time to engage, after two years of public meetings. The meeting was canceled until planners hold a “series of new public meetings.” SEPTA wanted the route changes to be enacted now so they can hold informational sessions with residents before implementation in the fall, but this delay may push back the timeline.


Image Source: Mass Transit

Mass Transit: Amtrak advancing key initiatives to help double annual ridership by Fiscal Year 2040As a part of Amtrak’s goal to double annual ridership to 66 million by Fiscal Year 2040, the agency is advancing key initiatives in 2024. These include infrastructure, safety and reliability, improved accessibility, driving economic development, and enhancing customer experience. These initiatives will include projects in different states across the country. 


Other Stories

The Inquirer: I-95 closure in Philadelphia near Penn’s Landing: Everything you need to know

Mass Transit: Momentum for expanding intercity bus service is growing among states, new study shows

The Inquirer: Can Gov. Shapiro’s SEPTA proposal save SEPTA? It depends.

Momentum Mag: Study shows bicycle-friendly cities are safer for all road users even drivers

NPR: What Vision Zero Has And Hasn’t Accomplished

“The Hub” is a weekly round-up of transportation related news in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Check back weekly to keep up-to-date on the issues Clean Air Council’s transportation staff finds important. 

Image Source: WHYY

WHYY: Gov. Shapiro proposes $282.2 million in state transit funding as hundreds rally to ‘Save The Train’Gov Josh Shapiro recently announced plans to increase statewide public transit funding. This came as community members rallied to show support for the Chestnut Hill West Regional Line. The funding would provide a 1.75% increase in funding and a $282.2 million annual investment which would help SEPTA to avoid service cuts and fare increases. Whether or not the state Senate will agree to support public transit is a question still to be answered. 


Image Source: Streetsblog USA

Streetsblog USA: Could This Bill Finally Give Transit Agencies the Operations Funding They Need?Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga) recently re-introduced his Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act, to provide more Federal support to U.S transit agencies. This Act will provide $20 billion in grant funding annually to support public transportation and to make improvements to transit services in underserved communities. Johnson wants advocates to reach out to their representatives to get more support so this Act can be passed.


Image Source: WHYY

WHYY: Let there be light: Philly streets to brighten via $500K federal grantPhiladelphia’s historic district will receive lighting improvements from a $500,000 Federal grant. Lighting will be installed on South 6th Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets and will increase visibility, safety, and security in the area. This lighting project is expected to be completed for the 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.


Other Stories

The Inquirer: SEPTA board chair Pat Deon reflects on how he navigated shoe-throwing customers and Harrisburg deal-making over his 24-year career

Smart Growth America: How strong is your Complete Streets policy? Use our Policy Evaluation tool to find out

CBS News: Philadelphia traffic ranked 8th-worst in U.S. in national study

BillyPenn: SEPTA delays cause unexcused absences, stress and anxiety for Philly students 

WHYY: Greyhound stations were once a big part of America. Now, many of them are being shut  

Left to right: Elaine Fultz (Citizen’s Climate Lobby), Eric Cheung (Clean Air Council), Dennis Newman (Amtrak), Joe Minott (Clean Air Council)

PHILADELPHIA (February 1, 2024) –  In mid-November, Amtrak made the decision to forego the installation of new gas boilers for heating in favor of clean, renewable energy, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and public health. Clean Air Council is now recognizing Amtrak for its actions to protect the environment and health of surrounding communities. Amtrak will convert its current steam generation to electricity that would be generated by wind and solar, or use biofuels. In addition, Amtrak has committed to purchasing 100 percent clean energy by 2030 and to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045.

“Amtrak’s decision to use clean renewable energy instead of methane gas boilers is a big win for the climate and public health,” said Eric Cheung, Clean Air Council Acting Executive Director. “Amtrak’s action will help us advance the rapid transition off of fossil fuels and towards clean, renewable energy needed to combat the climate crisis. It also prevents Philadelphia residents from being exposed to the harmful air pollution that would have been emitted by the gas boilers.” 

“After considering valuable external perspectives from stakeholders— including the Clean Air Council and Citizens Climate Lobby — Amtrak chose to eliminate gas boilers from the Gray 30th Street Station Redevelopment Project plans,” said Dennis Newman, executive vice president, strategy and planning, Amtrak. “We are grateful to be recognized with the Environmental Award from the Clean Air Council as we continue our efforts to be good community partners and a leading provider of sustainable travel.”

In addition to its action and commitment to protect the environment, Clean Air Council is presenting Amtrak with this award for its meaningful engagement with community organizations and listening to their concerns about the switch to gas-fired boilers it had been considering. By engaging with the community, the best possible outcome was achieved for all parties involved. 

“The Hub” is a weekly round-up of transportation related news in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Check back weekly to keep up-to-date on the issues Clean Air Council’s transportation staff finds important. 

Image Source: WHYY

WHYY: New Jersey Transit plans 15% fare increase starting on July 1Since the pandemic, New Jersey Transit has been struggling with a significant drop in ridership. Current ridership is only 80% of pre-pandemic levels, leaving the agency with an approximately $2 billion reduction in fare revenue. Similar to SEPTA, the agency received federal aid during the pandemic but this is nearly exhausted. They will increase fares by 15% in July to help address the deficit. Multiple public hearings are scheduled between Monday, March 4, 2024, and Friday, March 8, 2024. 


Image Source: PhillyVoice

PhillyVoice: Northbound I-95 lanes in Center City to close for 36 hours in early FebruaryDuring the first weekend in February (Feb 3rd through Feb 5th) a portion of I95, between Columbus Boulevard and I-676 exits, will be closed for 36 hours. This scheduled closure is to partially demolish the current concrete covering between Chestnut and Walnut Streets. It is a part of the $329 million project that will connect Old City with Penn’s Landing – the Penn’s Landing CAP project.


Image Source: WHYY

WHYY: Drexel University is researching more environmentally friendly alternatives to road saltRoad salt and deicing chemicals can protect pedestrians and drivers as they prevent roads and sidewalks from becoming slippery. But they also have negative impacts on road structures and the environment. A team of scientists at Drexel University has developed a type of concrete that is self-heating and can be an effective way to reduce the use of road salt. This technology works by absorbing solar heat energy during warm weather and releasing it when there is snow or ice. The team hopes to complete their research by the end of winter.


Other Stories

PhillyVoice: Yearslong renovations begin at 30th Street Station, shuttering food court

BillyPenn: Plowing for pedalers: Philly cyclists unhappy with lack of bike lane snow removal 

Smart Growth America: What it means to follow a Complete Streets approach in rural America

PhillyVoice: Countdown clocks arrive at more stations along Market-Frankford Line

My ChesCo: Nighttime Lighting Installation on Roosevelt Expressway May Impact Commutes, PennDOT Warns

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