National #WeekWithoutDriving is happening from September 29th until October 5th, and you’re invited to join the Clean Air Council!
We’re asking elected officials, community leaders, and anyone else to step into the shoes of the almost one-third of Americans who don’t drive. So many groups don’t drive – youths, people with disabilities, senior citizens, and those who can’t afford cars or gas, or just don’t want to – relying on public transportation, cycling, or walking to get around every day.
Week Without Driving highlights how car-centered public spaces ignore the needs and safety of pedestrians with infrastructure. We invite you to join us in this experience, whether you try not to drive for the entire week or embrace transit, walking, rolling, and biking for a few trips! Every effort counts towards creating a more connected and equitable world. If you’re already a non-driver, please encourage your friends, family, and your elected officials to go a Week Without Driving!
Transit Forward Philly is hosting a Week Without Driving Kick-Off event on Monday, September 29th, at 5:30 PM at their office on Walnut to learn more about the event, and meet mobility advocates from all over the city. Learn more about the event and RSVP here.
Using public transportation like trains and buses is one of the greenest ways to commute. By riding together instead of in individual cars, we save energy and emissions — and even money! But, as any commuter knows, trains and buses don’t always run on time. People often hesitate to rely on mass transit because they worry about being late to work or being stranded in an emergency without a car nearby.
That’s what the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Emergency Ride Home program is all about, and Clean Air Council has just expanded it with a pilot project in Media, Pennsylvania. The Emergency Ride Home program uses cost reimbursement to support transit riders when emergencies disrupt their commute plans and serves those who live and/or work in southeastern Pennsylvania.
This new pilot specifically serves transit riders on four routes (SEPTA bus routes 110, 111, 114, and 117) that access Fair Acres Geriatric Center in Media. Qualifying commuters can receive an Uber voucher of up to $50 during an emergency—like when transit is seriously delayed, canceled, or can’t get you to the site of the emergency—and can redeem a voucher up to two times for the duration of the program through June 30, 2026.
If you’ve ever wanted to try taking SEPTA to work or around town but were afraid to take the plunge, signing up for this program might just put your mind at ease. Interested? Find out more below!
Who Qualifies for the Pilot Program?
To participate in this program, you must:
Be dedicated to taking SEPTA bus routes 110, 111, 114, and/or 117 at least twice a week to work
OR Live or work within the Fair Acres region
What Counts as an “Emergency”?
- Unexpected personal or family emergency or illness
- Unscheduled overtime
- If a rider cannot reach the site of the emergency via transit in a timely fashion
- If the rider’s regular route is delayed for over 30 minutes or cancelled, and this will cause an unsafe situation or undue expense for the rider (e.g. late fees for daycare or missed medical appointment)
How Do I Participate in the Pilot?
Step 1: Check your eligibility, register, and complete your profile at ShareARide.AgileMile.com/CAC
Step 2: In a qualifying emergency situation, request a free ride (up to $50) through the Share-A-Ride website. You will receive a unique code to use when paying through the Uber app.
Step 3: Download the Uber app and create an account.
Step 4: Use the Uber app to schedule a ride and apply your unique code at checkout.
“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.
Join Transit for All PA, Transit Forward Philadelphia, and more, on Wednesday, August 6th, 11:00 AM at City Hall, to rally for transit funding that keeps SEPTA running and hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians rely on. Register here.
Mass Transit: PA: As Philly residents and schools brace for SEPTA cuts and late state funds, there’s no rush for a budget in Harrisburg – 52,000 public school students who rely on SEPTA services to commute to school may soon have to figure out alternative transportation, as the start of the school year looms without resolution on the overdue state budget. Without more funding, SEPTA will be forced to enact drastic service reductions beginning August 24th. School district officials, who are scheduled to meet with SEPTA officials next week, are also contending with the possibility of starting the school year without state funding.
Philly Voice: New swing bridge along Schuylkill River Trail in South Philly nears completion – This winter, a long-awaited swing bridge connecting Grays Ferry Crescent Park to Bartram’s Garden will be completed, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross the Schuylkill River. Dubbed “Schuylkill Crossing,” the project will extend the River Trail by 1.5 miles farther south. Crucially, the mechanism of a swing bridge allows it to swing open, on its vertical axis, to allow boats to pass.
WHYY: Glassboro-Camden Line closer than ever, but hurdles remain before construction can begin – The proposed 18-mile Glassboro-Camden Line would connect Glassboro to Camden’s Walter Rand Transportation Station, a nexus for Philadelphia rail connections and the River Line. Although the line would connect communities with sites like Rowan University and ultimately Philly, potentially boosting economic prosperity in South Jersey, residents have raised concerns over noise
Other Stories
BillyPenn: The Philly airport ranked 3rd-worst in the U.S. in a recent survey. Is it really that bad?
The Inquirer: A plan to improve SEPTA emerges from the GOP state Senate, with no funding attached
Trenton Daily: Mercer County Announces New Shuttle Service Between Trenton Mercer and Philadelphia Airport
MSN: Extreme heat causes SEPTA & Amtrak delays in Philadelphia
The Inquirer: As SEPTA cuts loom, patience is wearing thin for Democrats in Harrisburg
“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.
Join Transit For All PA for a State-wide All Hands call to learn about what’s happening with the PA budget, and how we can win mass transit for all! Register here.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: What’s at stake over proposed increase in mass transit funding in PA? – Public transit riders from Philadelphia to Harrisburg discuss what losing access to public transit could mean for them. Mass transit is a lifeline for so many across the state; it’s how people access their jobs, their healthcare, their families, grocery stores, and much more. The RabbitTransit program, based in York County, serves 11 counties across southcentral PA and offers free passes for seniors 65 and older. This program could lose 25% of its bus routes with the impending funding cuts. Much of the public transportation across the state is smaller routes focused on assisting seniors, disabled individuals, and other vulnerable populations. Stripping these Pennsylvanians of these programs would harm our communities, and lawmakers need to do everything in their power to avoid it.
6ABC: SEPTA urges Philadelphia students to plan ahead due to possible service cuts – Upcoming service cuts could be a result of the doomsday budget passed by SEPTA in June of this year, with cuts starting as early as August. Parents and students of Philadelphia are being urged to find alternate routes and be aware that the first wave of cuts will begin on August 24, 2025. A SEPTA representative said the cuts will impact the 55,000 Philadelphia students who utilize public transit to get to and from school, which is an estimated 25% of students in the city. School district leaders are meeting with SEPTA to better understand these cuts and what to tell parents and students. Universities are also bracing for these cuts. Temple University released a statement that 12,000 students, faculty, and staff relied on public transit in 2022, and to expect more cars in and around campus.
CBS News: SEPTA begins warning riders a month out from significant service cuts – Several stops had signs posted by SEPTA this week, warning riders that routes and stops will be eliminated, as the agency grapples with a $213 million budget shortfall. Changes will impact close to 50 bus routes at the end of August. 32 bus routes are set to be eliminated, 16 to be shortened, and an overall reduction in service on 88 bus, subway, and regional rail lines. 5 regional rail lines would also be eliminated in later phases of SEPTA cuts. September will also see a nearly 22% fare increase, and cuts will begin one day after Philadelphia kids go back to school.
Other Stories
The Inquirer: Canvassers have a message for Bucks County SEPTA riders: It’s not too late to save your train
Transportation Today: NJ Transit adopts budget advancing infrastructure investments
The Inquirer: Seniors aren’t ‘getting any younger.’ So why do their SEPTA fare cards expire?
WHYY: New Jersey offers grants to tackle the urban heat island effect
Mass Transit: SEPTA customer satisfaction scores reach all-time high
The budget deadline was missed again by the Pennsylvania legislature, which means it’s time to reach out and put the pressure on. Let your representatives know NO BUDGET WITHOUT TRANSIT!
Legislators across PA need to pass a budget that will prevent the collapse of mass transit, something nearly 4 million Pennsylvanians rely on every day.
The PA House passed HB 1364, which expands the Governor’s transit funding proposal, but it’s not enough. This bill buys us time to fight for a long-term, stable funding solution, so reach out now! We need legislators to implement the funding outlined in the bill at minimum, and expand on it to avoid the gutting of mass transit across the state.
Take action now. Contact your legislators and ask them to ensure NO BUDGET WITHOUT TRANSIT!
Other ways to help:
- Share this link to contact legislators to fund public transit
- Text 5 friends and ask them to take action
- Share on social media. You can also share a post from Transit Forward Philly here
- Post in your group texts and get your networks involved
- Call your State and Senator – ask them to oppose any budget without transit funding
Visit Transit For All PA and learn about other ways to get involved and help us secure funding for transit systems across the state.
“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
“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.
The Inquirer: SEPTA is upping penalties for smoking, urinating, drunkenness and other bad behavior on transit – Smoking, littering, and public urination on SEPTA’s platforms and vehicles make taking public transit an unpleasant experience for many as residents constantly complain about SEPTA being dirty. To combat these behaviors and keep SEPTA clean, transit police are starting to issue fines of up to $100 for violations of the Philadelphia city code on SEPTA property. This is an increase to the previous fines and the agency hopes it will deter such behavior.
PhillyVoice: SEPTA schedules trolley maintenance blitz next month, with a push toward modernization – SEPTA’s annual trolley blitz is scheduled for Friday, July 12th at 10 pm to Monday, July 29th at 6 am. During the blitz, all trolley underground services will be suspended as they replace worn-out tracks, fix overhead wires, and work on other upgrades and cleaning. This will affect Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, and 36. SEPTA will use this blitz to prepare for its Trolley Modernization project.
The Inquirer: Vision Zero spending was cut in the city budget. But officials point to related traffic-safety spending elsewhere. – The Mayor’s Budget passed on Thursday with plans to spend $1 million on Vision Zero projects, which is $1.5 million less than last year. However, city officials point out that other budget line items are considered part of Vision Zero efforts. For example, there is a line item in the Streets Department’s traffic control section of the budget that allocates a $1.25 million expenditure for unspecified speed cushion and traffic calming measures.
Other Stories
PhillyVoice: Newly appointed special prosecutor will handle crimes on SEPTA
Reuters: US railroad Amtrak on track to break passenger records in 2024
The Inquirer: Opinion- I gave up my car last year, and am seeing Philly — and its people — in a whole new light
Post-Gazette: Simply getting around can be dangerous in some Allegheny County towns
Governing: The Bus Lines That Can Solve a Bunch of Urban Problems
“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
PlanPhilly: Want speed cushions on your street? Philly is making it easier to request them – The 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.
The Inquirer: SEPTA postpones bus network redesign — again — due to concerns from City Council members – For 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.
Mass Transit: Amtrak advancing key initiatives to help double annual ridership by Fiscal Year 2040 – As 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
“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.
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.
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.
WHYY: Let there be light: Philly streets to brighten via $500K federal grant – Philadelphia’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
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
Earlier this May SEPTA held public comment about their proposed FY2024 capital and operations budgets. These budgets are a big deal because they direct the future of public transportation in the Philadelphia area, which is an important form of sustainable transportation, as well as a vital resource for many in the region. These budgets propose lots of important investments including funding for improving the accessibility of the transit system, and instituting a second free transfer for riders when they pay with SEPTA Key. You can view the budgets here, and read a summary of what is included from our partners at Transit Forward Philly here.
Maya Frydman, a Transportation Outreach Coordinator at the Council, attended the hearings and gave public comment on behalf of the Council. You can read their comments below. SEPTA is still accepting public comment until May 31st, if you would like to share your thoughts on what to prioritize when it comes to transportation spending you can email operatingbudget@septa.org and capbudget@septa.org respectively. You can also leave a comment in the form of a voicemail by calling 215-580-7772 for the operations budget and 215-580-7771 for the capital budget. Making public transit accessible, reliable, affordable, and frequent is one of the best ways to combat fossil fuel emissions and support the health of the region, so share your thoughts with SEPTA and stay engaged with our transportation work going forward.
Operational Budget Testimony:
Capital Budget Testimony:
