“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
PhillyVoice: SEPTA advances trolley modernization project with federal funding – SEPTA received $460,000 in Federal dollars to further its long-term trolley modernization project. This funding is from a Department of Transportation pilot program aimed at boosting public transit access. SEPTA will use this funding to study areas along the Route 10 trolley line and will focus on a four-mile stretch from 36th Street Station to the terminal at N 63rd Street and Malvern Avenue.
BillyPenn: In a first, SEPTA now notifies riders of all canceled bus trips – Finally, SEPTA riders will know if their bus is coming or not. The transit agency upgraded its system and will provide real-time data through its transit app, Google Maps, and other transit apps. This upgrade will eliminate the previous “ghost bus” issue that riders experienced. Bus cancellations may not be good news but at least riders will know the correct status of the bus.
PhillyVoice: It’s illegal to ride an e-scooter on the street in Pa., but that could change – E-scooters are currently illegal to ride on public streets in Pennsylvania, but this could change as the State House committee passed a bill to categorize these two-wheeled vehicles similar to bikes. People use e-scooters for daily tasks such as grocery runs and attending events; helping to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. This bill must pass the full House and Senate before becoming law.
Other Stories
The Inquirer: Philly has Spring, Summer, and Winter Streets. What happened to Fall or Autumn?
PhillyVoice: SEPTA’s website now shows bus detours on maps – and its app eventually will, too
The Inquirer: Everything you need to know about the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon
The Inquirer: No deal, no strike: SEPTA and transit union will continue talks despite contract expiring
The Minnesota Star Tribune: Do lower speed limits on city streets actually slow down 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
The Inquirer: Broad Street speed cameras are coming soon, new PPA ads warn – Data showed that Broad Street is the most dangerous high-speed city roadway in Philadelphia. Early next year speed cameras will be placed along the length of Broad Street to help reduce vehicle speed and protect road users. The Philadelphia Parking Authority is launching an advertising campaign to warn drivers to slow down. Once the cameras go live, there will be a 60-day warning period for drivers traveling 11 miles or more over the speed limit; then it will cost $100 per violation.
NBC Philadelphia: Philly’s ‘Get Out the Bike Lane Bill’ prohibiting stopping, increasing fines passes – Philadelphia’s City Council recently passed legislation to increase fines for drivers illegally parked in bike lanes. This legislation aims to keep bike lanes clear and protect bicyclists and even pedestrians. The bill immediately goes into effect with a signature from Mayor Parker.
WHYY: NJ Transit unveils new multi-level, high-tech rail cars – Recently, New Jersey Transit unveiled its “next generation of multi-level rail cars”, which aims to help the agency recover from massive train cancellations experienced during the summer. These new trains will increase seating capacity by 11%, and the majority of these rail cars will go into service in 2026.
Other Stories
The Inquirer: After legislative failure, Gov. Shapiro should ensure transit funding success
6abc Action News: New data shows drop in SEPTA crime for 2024
Streetsblog USA: Report: Confronting Car Dependence Won’t Just Help With Climate Change; It’s a $6.2 Trillion Opportunity
WHYY: SEPTA workers vote to authorize strike, union contract set to expire Nov. 7
PlanPhilly: Philly business leaders are now pushing harder to restore SEPTA funding as the CEO prepares to leave
“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
PhillyVoice: ‘Zero Fare’ program for SEPTA to expand as City touts success in first year – SEPTA yielded positive results in the first year of its “Zero Fare” pilot program with over 4.3 million trips taken by program participants. During the launch of the program 24,000 SEPTA Key Cards, with unlimited rides on buses, subways, trolleys, and Regional Rail, were provided to people living in poverty. This program was subsidized by the City of Philadelphia. In the next phase of the program, the City will provide an additional 20,000 Zero fare key cards to eligible participants.
The New York Times: Why Does This Building by the Subway Need 193 Parking Spots? (Yes, Exactly 193.) – Many cities are removing parking minimums from their building zoning codes and New York may join the list soon as they are proposing to remove parking minimums for new housing. Removing parking minimums can reduce construction costs and encourage sustainable commute options such as taking public transit.
PlanPhilly: Work to reopen PATCO’s Franklin Square Station is reaching the end of the line – The work to reopen PATCO’s Franklin Square Station is in the final stages as construction aims to be completed by early 2025. This station hasn’t served riders for more than 40 years and was considered a “ghost station” as trains would pass by but never stop.
Other Stories
BillyPenn: City’s proposed safety upgrades to Spruce-Pine corridors draws hundreds to review
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette : Editorial: Tying transit funding to skill games doesn’t make sense
Community Impact: Austin studying plan to add miles of dedicated bike, bus lanes on city’s busiest roads
Streetsblog USA: Why America Has So Much Road Safety Research, But So Little Actual Safety
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Lawmakers’ hoped-for deal to increase Pa. transit, road and bridge funding looks unlikely this year
“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: Car-free Sundays on Walnut Street boosted foot traffic, sales for restaurants and retailers, survey says – Every Sunday in September 2024, approximately seven blocks of 18th and West Walnut Street was closed to vehicular traffic creating a car-free space for everyone to enjoy. These car-free Sundays helped to boost business for many local stores and increased foot traffic. According to a survey, 90% of the surveyed retailers saw 86% more foot traffic to their businesses and a 79% increase in sales.
Metro Philadelphia: SEPTA, facing financial shortfall, holds hearings on proposed fare increase – SEPTA is facing a huge budget deficit, and the agency proposed a fare increase that will go into effect in December after the board’s approval next month. This will increase keycard holder payment from $2 to $2.50 same as cash fare along with the Regional rail fare increase. Without additional funding, SEPTA will experience significant service cuts and increased fares.
BillyPenn: Despite dire funding crisis, SEPTA’s working to attract more riders – SEPTA has big plans to attract more riders and to improve riders’ experience. But with the proposed fare increase and service cuts due to the agency’s $240 million annual deficit, these plans face financial threats. SEPTA’s plan includes expanding service to commuters who work beyond the traditional 9-5 hours, making bus routes more efficient – through the bus revolution plan, and installing new wayfinding signage.
Other Stories
Streetsblog USA: On a Roll: Feds Inch Closer to Finally Achieving Key Goal of Americans With Disabilities Act
NPR: As cars and trucks get bigger and taller, lawmakers look to protect pedestrians
BillyPenn: Philly magician brings illusions to walking tour of Philadelphia’s Old City
“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.
Feet First Philly’s Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant Application is CLOSED.
The City Fix: Is Your Commute Harming Your Health? – Consistently commuting via car and experiencing traffic congestion can affect individuals physically, mentally, and socially. Commuters stuck in traffic experience increased stress and anxiety. Traffic congestion increases air pollution and commuters who are exposed to elevated levels of air pollution experience worsened respiratory conditions. On the other hand, sustainable commute options such as walking and biking provide great health benefits including enhanced mood and reduced stress.
CBS News: Philadelphia has a plan for concrete-protected bike lanes in Center City, officials tell residents – Concrete-protected bike lanes will prevent vehicles from blocking bike lanes. This will add more protection for cyclists. Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) is recommending additional protection to bike lanes on Pine and Spruce streets, such as concrete curbs and potentially planters. These recommendations are not final as the city is still soliciting feedback from residents.
CommonWealth Beacon: Bike lanes don’t just benefit cyclists – Bike lanes help to enhance safety, accessibility, and promote environmental sustainability. Studies have shown that bike lanes are a “vital component of a safer urban landscape”. Separated bike lanes also act as a traffic calming measure. Bike lanes, especially protected bike lanes, encourage more people to commute using alternative modes of transportation which helps to lower traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions.
Other Stories
The Inquirer: PennDot has a $10M plan to improve Church Road intersections, but some Cheltenham residents say it will make life worse
PhillyVoice: Amtrak starts working on $462 million maintenance facility in Penn Coach Yard
BillyPenn: As legislators dither, SEPTA considers giant fare hike
Streetsblog USA: Six Reasons Why a Big Truck, SUV or Van is More Likely to Kill You in a Crash
Next City: The Truth About Whether Speed Cameras Make Us Safer
Streetsblog USA: Bike-Friendly Campuses Can Inspire the Rest of Car-Centric America
“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.
Feet First Philly launched the 5th round of its Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant Program. Applications are due on October 10th at 11:59 PM. Grants range from $500 to $2000, with the opportunity to support at least one larger project of up to $5000. Learn more about this opportunity here. Apply TODAY and improve a public space in your neighborhood!
September 30 through October 6, 2024, is a Week Without Driving. We encourage everyone to commute without driving. Explore sustainable commute options such as biking, walking, and public transit. Join this nationwide challenge to understand the barriers nondrivers face while commuting through our communities. Sign up for Week Without Driving PA.
Metro Philadelphia: SEPTA to install 100 full-length gates to combat fare evasion – SEPTA’s pilot program at 69th Street Transportation Center to combat fare evasion was successful. The transit agency will expand this program by installing 100 full-length gates at Market-Frankford and Broad Street Line Stations. These full-length gates were designed and equipped with 3D imaging technology to detect fare evaders. These gates will be installed at Somerset, Huntingdon, Cecil B. Moore, Allegheny, 52nd Street, 11th Street, 13th Street, Frankford Transportation Center, and City Hall Stations. Installation is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
The Inquirer: Transportation funding is needed ASAP, transit agencies, unions, and business leaders tell Pa. legislators – Transit agencies across Pennsylvania need funding to keep public transit systems from cutting services and increasing fares. SEPTA, for example, started the year with a $240 million operating budget deficit. Different transit agencies, unions, and business leaders unite and call for PA legislators to take action and fund public transportation.
Streetsblog USA: Report Shows — Again — Why Cities Must Build Safe Bike Lanes – A recent study released by the League of American Bicyclists and Lime, found that cyclists will bike more if there is safer biking infrastructure. The study found that where there was new bike infrastructure there was an increase in ridership in comparison to where there was no bike infrastructure. There was also a greater increase in ridership where there were protected bike lanes. Our roads need more protected bike lanes to keep cyclists safe.
Other Stories
Bloomberg: A Map That Visualizes Walkable Neighborhoods Across the US
The Inquirer: PennDot could keep I-95 from bigfooting Philadelphia by supporting transit
BillyPenn: Philly invites private companies to install curbside EV chargers
The Inquirer: The Pa. Turnpike has helped keep public transit afloat for years. Now what?
Streets MN: Network Now Provides Post-Pandemic Vision for Twin Cities Transit
“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.
Feet First Philly launched the 5th round of its Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant Program. Applications are due on October 10th at 11:59 PM. Grants range from $500 to $2000, with the opportunity to support at least one larger project of up to $5000. Learn more about this opportunity here. Apply TODAY and improve a public space in your neighborhood!
September 30 through October 6, 2024, is a Week Without Driving. We encourage everyone to commute without driving. Explore sustainable commute options such as biking, walking, and public transit. Join this nationwide challenge to understand the barriers nondrivers face while commuting through our communities. Sign up for Week Without Driving PA.
WHYY: SEPTA to try out hydrogen fuel cell buses as early as this fall – This Fall SEPTA plans to roll out 10 hydrogen fuel cell buses in a pilot program to help determine the role of hydrogen fuel cells in a future zero-emission fleet. These buses will be on different routes to help SEPTA officials gauge how the buses will perform in different weather conditions and terrains. SEPTA plans to transition its 1,300-bus fleet to zero emissions by 2040.
WHYY: After 4 years, SEPTA reinstates phased-in parking fees. Here’s what to know – On Monday, SEPTA started to reinstate parking fees in phases according to a schedule the agency released. For four years SEPTA offered free parking at their different parking lots to attract riders after the pandemic. Parking will remain free at surface lots on weekends and major holidays. This extra cash will help to address the agency’s $240 million budget deficit.
Minnesota Transportation Research Blog: Measuring the Effects of Road Features on Driving Speeds – A recent study demonstrates that roadway designs have a measurable impact on driving speeds. The Complete Streets approach to roadway design helps to create safer, more accessible environments for all road users. Road features such as single lane roundabouts and raised medians help to reduce speed. Communities need slower, safer roads.
Other Stories
The Inquirer: PennDot cancels planned Schuylkill closing because of ‘inferior’ asphalt
The Inquirer: Time is running out for a deal this year on Pa. state funding for public transportation
WHYY: Halted by COVID, Delaware resumes ‘five-star’ tool to reduce traffic fatalities — DUI roadblocks
StreetsBlog USA: Bicycle Transit Systems Beefs Up To Compete With Lyft After Acquiring BCycle
The Philadelphia Citizen: Expand — Yes, Expand — Public Transit
“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.
Feet First Philly launched the 5th round of its Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant Program. Applications are due on October 10th at 11:59 PM. Grants range from $500 to $2000, with the opportunity to support at least one larger project of up to $5000. Learn more about this opportunity here. Apply TODAY and improve a public space in your neighborhood!
We are back! Today is Parking Day, check out the different parklets around the city.
The Inquirer: SEPTA is dropping in-person ticket sales at the windows in more Regional Rail stations – More Regional Rail riders are using SEPTA Key Cards to pay while traveling, and fewer are buying tickets in stations. As a result, SEPTA announced they will be closing ticket-sales windows at 10 more Regional Rail Stations. Customers who board at an unstaffed station can buy a Quick Trip ticket from conductors on board.
BillyPenn: PennDOT will spend at least $14 million on EV chargers in Philly – According to a report from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Philadelphia will receive at least $14 million in federal funds to subsidize the installation of public Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers in 2025 or 2026. There are approximately 10,000 registered EVs in Philly, and only 145 publicly accessible charging stations.
PhillyVoice: To help curtail smoking on subways, SEPTA is handing out flyers with information on how to quit – As a part of SEPTA’s educational blitz between September 17-26, the agency will be handing out flyers at certain subway and trolley stations in an attempt to reduce rider’s exposure to secondhand smoke on the transit system. These flyers will have information on how to quit smoking. The flyers will also have a coupon that can be used at SEPTA’s store.
Other Stories
The Inquirer: More bikes and pedestrians, fewer cars: A $100M rethink of Philly’s historical district
The Inquirer: Properly funding SEPTA is essential to Philadelphia’s economic future
PhillyVoice: Philly Bike Ride, a 20-mile scenic tour through the city, returns for a third year
The Inquirer: Public transit funding, utility protections, and more top Pa. legislature’s fall to-do list
PlanPhilly: Should Philadelphia get permanent pedestrian zones?
The Inquirer: Section of Schuylkill Expressway in South Philly will close for four weekends in a row starting Sept. 21
“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.
Feet First Philly launched the 5th round of its Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant Program. Applications are due on October 10th at 11:59 PM. Grants range from $500 to $2000, with the opportunity to support at least one larger project of up to $5000. Learn more about this opportunity here. Apply TODAY and improve a public space in your neighborhood!
The Hub will return on September 20, 2024!
The Inquirer: Philadelphia looks to ban drivers from stopping cars in bike lanes following high-profile deaths – Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier introduced legislation to make it illegal for drivers to pull over or stop in bike lanes. This legislation will also increase the penalties for stopping or parking in bike lanes from $75 in Center City and University City to $125 and from $50 to $75 elsewhere in the city. This aims to keep bike lanes clear and help to protect cyclists.
WHYY: To get people to put down their phones while driving, make it a game, Penn study suggests – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes in 2022. Researchers recently released results from a new study showing that positive reinforcement and small financial incentives in a competitive game format reduce distracted driving by 28%.
The Inquirer: Some SEPTA passengers will see fare hikes soon amid authority’s financial crisis – SEPTA plans to increase fares for travelers using key passes and credit or debit cards. These customers will start to pay $2.50 per trip which will be the same as the cash fare. Most single-trip fares on Regional Rail will increase except in Zone 1 where cash fares will drop from $5.25 to $4.
Other Stories
The Inquirer: Mayor Parker tells cycling activists the city has plans to make bike lanes safer
PlanPhilly: For safer streets, Philly advocates have legislative priorities for fall session
DVRPC News: Mpact Transit + Community 2024 is Coming to Philadelphia
The Inquirer: What to know about Peter Pan takeover of Megabus’ Philly routes
The Inquirer: What the city’s new report on the downtown Sixers arena says about parking, foot traffic, and SEPTA
WHYY: Philly residential parking rate hike includes limits on number of vehicles per household
