Public Transportation

Public transportation is the backbone of every major city in the world, and SEPTA’s legacy transit system moves millions of people around the region annually. SEPTA has one of the best transit system “bones” in North America, but needs improvement to serve riders through the next century and beyond. Efficient, equitable, and reliable public transportation has a ripple effect of lowering traffic congestion, connecting residents to jobs, essential services, and other communities, improving traffic safety, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Council advocates for public policy that supports and improves public transit, and promotes use of public transit through outreach, events, and the Council’s multimodal trip-planning website GoPhillyGo.

Major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh need modern public transit systems to facilitate the major mode shift needed to reduce carbon emissions from car trips. Every time you choose public transportation over driving, you are doing your part to lower greenhouse gas emissions that fuel the climate crisis. In addition to individuals choosing public transit, we need public officials to properly fund our transit systems in Pennsylvania, and our transportation agencies to dedicate the street space needed for transit to run efficiently and reliably. Let your elected officials know you want them to prioritize public transit in order to combat the climate crisis.

THE PROBLEM

Much of SEPTA’s transit system is well over 50 years old with some parts surpassing 100 years. Increased transit funding from state and local municipalities, upgrades to existing infrastructure, and improved service that is frequent and reliable will ensure Philadelphia can compete as a global city and provide quality service to the most transit reliant communities.

Right now, many Philadelphians are forced to take long commutes with multiple mode transfers just to get to work and essential businesses. Contributing factors to this include extremely long and indirect bus routes, infrequent service, traffic congestion, accessibility issues, and a legacy prioritization of regional service over inner city service. Many issues like these were only made worse during the COVID-19 pandemic, and require urgent attention.

In addition, political tug of wars over funding at the state and local level jeopardize the future of public transit in Pennsylvania. Many legislators continue to prioritize cars and car infrastructure over public transit despite the negative environmental effects and the ability for transit to move hundreds more people in one trip.

THE SOLUTION

The Council’s transportation team supports increased funding for transit agencies like SEPTA, SEPTA’s Trolley Modernization plans, SEPTA’s Bus Network Redesign, and the implementation of street infrastructure that prioritizes transit like dedicated bus lanes. The motivation for the Council’s work on public transportation is to reduce fossil fuel emissions, and this goal is achieved through several different programs.

• Advocacy – The transportation staff advocates for modern, affordable, and safe public transit through policy work, coalitions, and outreach to riders, drivers, and other stakeholders.

• Sustainable Trip Planning – GoPhillyGo is the Council’s multimodal trip planning mobile website and Android app. Users can plan public transit trips and multimodal trips that combine walking or biking with transit in a single trip. 

• Commuter Benefits Programs – The Council’s Mobility Alternatives Program (MAP) provides companies with information and assistance setting up pre-tax commuter benefits for employees who use public transit.

• Equitable Transit – The transportation staff believes that communities who rely on transit deserve access to safe, clean, affordable, reliable, and frequent service.