“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:
SEPTA recently released their draft bus network redesign, which overhauls the entire bus system with the aim of making bus lines more convenient, reliable, and easier to understand for riders. This redesign includes big changes to the network as well as individual bus lines.
From now through December, SEPTA is hosting a series of in-person and virtual community meetings to hear what bus riders think about these changes. If you are a SEPTA bus rider, make sure to take a look at the network redesign and show up to your local meeting to give your feedback to SEPTA.
Here are the upcoming in-person community meetings:
- 11/3 Thu, 4–6 pm: Chester City Hall Community Room, 1 E 4th St, Chester, PA 19013
- 11/5 Sat, 1–3:30 pm: East Passyunk Community Center, 1025 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
- 11/9 Wed, 3–5 pm: Lucien Blackwell Community Center, 761 N 47th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19139
- 11/10 Thu, 5–7:30 pm: Kingsessing Recreation Center, 4901 Kingsessing Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
- 11/12 Sat, 2:30–4:30 pm: Upper Darby Free Library Municipal Branch, 501 Bywood Ave, Upper Darby, PA 19082
- 11/15 Tue, 5:30 – 7:30 pm: Lower Merion Administration Building, 75 E Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003
- 11/16 Wed, 6–8 pm: The Liacouras Center, Fox-Gittis Room, 1776 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19121
- 12/8 Thu, 5:30–7:30 pm: SEPTA, 1234 Market St, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107
In addition to these in person meetings, SEPTA is also hosting virtual conversations on Monday nights where community members can share their thoughts about the draft network. These, like the in-person meetings, will each focus on a specific neighborhood.
Here is the schedule for virtual community meetings:
- 11/7 Mon, 6:30-7:30 pm: Northwest Philly – Register
- 11/14 Mon, 6:30-7:30 pm: South Philly – Register
- 11/21 Mon, 6:30-7:30 pm: Bucks & Montgomery Counties – Register
- 11/28 Mon, 6:30-7:30 pm: West Philly – Register
- 12/5 Mon, 6:30-7:30 pm: North Philly – Register
- 12/12 Mon, 6:30-7:30 pm: Center City – Register
Attendees at both the in-person and virtual meetings will be entered into a prize raffle, but more importantly this is an opportunity for bus riders to let SEPTA know their thoughts before these changes are finalized.
