The Hub 1/24/20: 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.

 

Plan Philly: SEPTA taking Girard Ave. trolley off the rails; 78% of fleet can’t pass inspection – Trolley route 15 along Girard Ave will be replaced with bus service. The refurbished 1940’s railcars have severe rust damage and do not meet safety standards. SEPTA expects to bring the trolleys back to Route 15 in a year and a half.

 

The Inquirer: SEPTA to end A/B stops on the Market-Frankford Line – As of February 24th, all Market-Frankford line trains will stop at every station. Development has boomed along Philadelphia’s main metro line, driving up demand at every station. SEPTA also plans to increase the frequency of trains during peak hours to meet demand.

 

Strong Towns: Walkable places are growing in value almost everywhere – Housing in dense urban centers across the nation is becoming increasingly desirable. Higher walkability scores correlate to rising  property values in metros across the United States. The premium paid to live in a walkable neighborhood shows an unmet demand for housing in walkable communities and for walkability in places where there is already housing.

 

StreetsBlog: Philadelphia Mayor Makes Big Bike and Transit Promises. Advocates Have Doubts. – At Mayor Kenney’s 2nd term inauguration he set forth ambitious plans to prioritize vulnerable road users and increase bike lanes in Philadelphia. Transportation advocates are hopeful, but remain skeptical as the Mayor’s first term failed to deliver on his transportation infrastructure promises.

 

Clean Air Council’s Clean Commute Awards honors a commuter and a workplace each year who do the most for sustainable commuting. You could win great prizes like a monthly Transpass or a gift certificate to your favorite bike shop. Nominate a workplace or an individual here!

 

Image Source: PlanPhilly