“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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CBS Philadelphia: SEPTA strike averted after workers’ union, transit agency reach new contract – SEPTA and Transport Workers Union Local 234 have reached a tentative agreement, as of Monday this week. This agreement avoids a strike with the largest union working in SEPTA currently, and would’ve impacted thousands of riders. TWU Local 234 members have been working without a contract for a month, and the agreement includes a two-year contract with a 3.5% wage increase each year, and other benefits. The union plans to ratify the new agreement later this month, with plans to present the contract to the SEPTA board on December 18.
Philly Voice: SEPTA receives MARC cars to ease Regional Rail disruptions, but a supply shortage is delaying Silverliner repairs – SEPTA is receiving 10 train cars from the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) Rail this week, to try and alleviate delays in the system. Regional Rail riders have been experiencing delays and crowded trains due to the ongoing inspection and improvements to the Silverliner cars. The MARC cars are being transported by Amtrak from Washington to 30th Street Station at the end of this week. SEPTA then will need to inspect the cars and train crews, which could take up to two weeks. The cars will be leased for one year, and will add capacity for riders across the rail system.
The Inquirer: Penn’s Landing cap over I-95 is 30% complete, with completion hoped in 2029 – Penn’s Landing Park, a 12-acre park over I-95, is about 30% completed. 2029 is the estimated completion year by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, with the park itself being installed the following year by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. Plans for the park include a net zero carbon building, skating rink, playground, water feature, and green space. The estimated cost of the project has increased from the 2017 estimate of $229 million to now $329 million due to rising costs of inflation. Construction efforts will continue by PennDOT, and motorists should check PennDOT’s website for closure updates.
Other Stories
6ABC: Construction project impacting Schuylkill Expressway set to begin
WMMR: Explore the Lesser-Known Bike Paths of Philadelphia
PhillyVoice: Tolls to drive over eight Delaware River bridges will increase next year
The Inquirer: SEPTA decks out buses in holiday decorating contest
Bicycle Coalition: ICYMI: Spring Garden Street Connector Open House
PhillyVoice: SEPTA to fully restore Regional Rail service by late December with $220 million boost from PennDOT
