“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.
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City & State Pennsylvania: Philadelphia’s Open Streets report reveals massive benefits carless events have for Center City businesses – Center City District closed streets to vehicular traffic, in favor of family-friendly foot traffic, and saw wild success last year. An overview of the Open Streets program was published last week by Center City District. Affected streets had a 27% increase in pedestrian activity, and participating businesses had a 38% increase in sales. The success of the 2024-2025 season has shifted the discussion from introducing the program to expanding it, and possibly making it a permanent fixture of Philadelphia.
The Inquirer via MSN: Uber says rides in Philly would cost you more under Mayor Parker’s budget plan – Philadelphia’s $7 billion city budget plan was released last week, and a 20-cent fee per ride was introduced for services such as Uber and Lyft. Another fee was proposed for online retailers. Both proposed fees need approval from the city council before implementation. The fees would bring in an estimated $9 million a year, which would be designated for school districts. Uber has stated that this fee will be passed directly to riders. Other fees proposed in the budget include another 2% in sales tax for online purchases, and all must be approved by either City Council or state lawmakers. The budget will have several public hearings with negotiations, and a final version is expected to be approved in June.
NBC Philadelphia: Frankford Avenue Bridge to shutter until 2027 for a $10M rehab project – The Frankford Avenue Bridge is now closed, and PennDOT will begin construction through next year. The $10 million rehab project will repair the 123-year-old bridge over the Frankford Creek. Frankford Avenue will be closed and detoured between Torresdale Avenue and Hunting Park Avenue at all times until Monday, March 22nd, 2027. PennDOT told drivers to expect extra time for their drive as traffic would occur. The bridge was found in poor condition, and over 12,000 vehicles pass over the creek daily, making repairs a priority. The inactive trolley lines currently on the structure are not planned to be brought back.
Other Stories
Transit Forward Philadelphia: 500 Days to Save SEPTA – Here’s How We Start
WHYY: 2 more security checkpoints to be temporarily closed at Philadelphia International Airport
Pittsburgh Patch: New Pittsburgh Airport Transportation System Proposed
Philadelphia Today: Northeast Philadelphia Airport Set for Upgrades After Receiving $1.4M in Federal Funding
6ABC: Market Street ramp to I-95 South reopens after yearlong closure
PhillyVoice: As Americans pay more at the pump, how do gas prices in Pa. and N.J. compare with the rest of the U.S.?
BillyPenn: Women in cycling: How one Philadelphia woman paved the way
SEPTA: Transit Employee Appreciation Day
