The Hub 11/15/2024: Clean Air Council’s Weekly Round-up of Transportation News
“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
TAKE ACTION: Tell Governor Shapiro to direct PennDOT to allocate highway funds to transit immediately. The governor must use an executive order to save public transit. Tell Governor Shapiro to ACT NOW!
The Inquirer: SEPTA rides may cost 21% more starting in January; severe service cuts could soon follow – SEPTA published a legal notice proposing a 21.5% increase to fares by January 1. Fare for riders in Philadelphia will increase to $2.90 through all payment methods. This increase is a result of the annual structural deficit of $240 million that the agency currently faces and the fact that the PA legislature and Governor Shapiro did not find a funding solution for public transportation. There is also a possible 20% service cut starting next fiscal year.
PlanPhilly: Car-free streets will return to Philly’s Rittenhouse Square this winter. Here’s what to know – On December 8 and 15 streets near Rittenhouse Square in Center City will be closed to all vehicular traffic and become a pedestrian-only space. For these two Sundays, families, shoppers, and pedestrians will be able to stroll the area car-free. A similar car-free street program occurred in September and retailers saw an increase in sales.
Next City: Blocking the Bus Lane? Cities Are Using AI To Find and Fine You – Many cities are installing cameras on buses to ticket drivers blocking bus-only lanes. This aims to reduce obstructions that slow bus speed and increase transit travel time. In 2023, SEPTA participated in a 70-day pilot by adding automated enforcement cameras on two bus lines. During this period the transit agency recorded 36,000 lane violations which significantly delayed transit riders. This tool can help cities to keep bus lanes clear and increase transit speed.
Other Stories
The Inquirer: SEPTA postpones long-planned bus route overhaul amid likely fare hikes and service cuts
The Inquirer: Off The Rails
The New York Times: As Trump’s New Term Looms, Hochul Considers Reviving Congestion Pricing
Streetsblog USA: How State DOTs Keep the Public In the Dark About How They Spend Our Transportation Dollars
Mass Transit: NJ Transit Board approves contract with ACI-Herzog JV to operate Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system
