“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.
Are you interested in traffic safety issues, pedestrian advocacy, and want to do more for your community? Vision Zero Philadelphia is hiring 2026 Ambassadors. Learn more and apply for the role here!
6ABC: SEPTA resumes Regional Rail morning express service; Center City T-trolley tunnel reopens – Regional Rail and Trolley riders began their week with increased service, from the suburbs to Center City. The T-trolley tunnel reopened Monday morning, once again connecting Center City to neighborhoods and communities throughout West Philadelphia . The tunnel has been closed since Mid-November for emergency repairs, and will have overnight closures for further repairs in February. Regional Rail riders also felt improvements this week, with express service resuming from the suburbs to Center city. Service has been gradually returning after Silverliner railcars were pulled from service, inspected, and repaired.
The Inquirer: Keeping seniors fit in Philly takes a citywide effort | Expert Opinion – 20% of Philadelphia are age 60 or older, and the senior population in the city has been growing for the past decade. Drexel Professor and physical therapist notes the importance of movement for longevity and health. It’s beneficial for mental and physical health, but 30% of seniors in Philadelphia report difficulty with mobile activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. Philadelphia’s walkability and access to green spaces are positives for seniors, with 95% of all Philadelphia residents living within a 10 minute walk of a public park. However, parks tend to be smaller and lower-quality for low-income neighborhood residents. Access and funding for green spaces, public transportation, senior community centers, and other lifelines, are critical for the health of seniors across Philadelphia.
Fox Philadelphia: Girard Point Bridge overhaul begins: 5-year traffic impact in Philly – Construction has begun on the Girard Point Bridge. The renovation will take five years to complete, and drivers need to know PennDot’s plans. Three lanes of traffic can be expected, but lane restrictions will occur as well. These restrictions will be focused on nights and weekends, but riders can find alternative commuting options here. Phase 1 of construction begins in February, and long-term traffic patterns will be installed in July of this year.
Other Stories
WHYY: ‘Going to make my life much better’: SEPTA trolley riders react to tunnel reopening
CBS Philadelphia: Person with measles traveled through Philadelphia airport, 30th Street Station, health officials say
The Philadelphia Tribune: Visit Philly expecting 500,000 visitors for World Cup
Philadelphia.Today: New $11.5M Project Aims to Beautify Philadelphia in Preparation for 250th Birthday Celebrations
The Inquirer: We debated the best ways to snuff out bad SEPTA etiquette. The best advice came from you
The Travel: One Of America’s Most Beautiful Amtrak Stations Is Getting A Makeover
“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.
Happy 2026! Kick off the new year by following the Clean Air Council on Instagram, and check out our website.
BillyPenn: SEPTA expects Regional Rail crowding and delays to subside this month – After months of delays, crowded trains, and cancelled service, Regional Rail riders can expect relief, according to SEPTA. Inspections and repairs have been completed, and railcars are being put back into service. The current rate is about 8 repaired cars back into service every day. The increase in cars will cut down on the crowded conditions that commuters have been experiencing. SEPTA has also leased 10 coaches from Maryland’s transit system to fix the shortage during inspection and repairs. SEPTA is looking to purchase new railcars to upgrade and expand Regional Rail service, but the lack of funding in the State budget severely limits any improvements the agency can make.
WHYY: SEPTA says trolley wire replacements are done, estimates tunnel will reopen in ‘weeks’ – The trolley tunnel between Center City and West Philadelphia has been closed since November, and work is nearing completion, according to SEPTA last week. Wire replacements have been completed, but system testing is still ongoing, with estimates that the tunnel will reopen in mid-January. The longer repair times are due to the unique nature of the work. SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch noted that SEPTA is focused on returning service only when it’s tested and proven safe and reliable for public transit users.
NBC Philadelphia: SEPTA buses replace trains during construction along the Fox Chase Line – Starting Monday, January 5th, SEPTA riders on the Fox Chase Line will rely on bus service at the Fox Chase, Ryders, Cheltenham, Lawndale, and Olney stations. SEPTA crews will be installing new tracks on weekdays, from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Regional Rail service is expected to operate between Wayne Junction and Center City. Construction and bus service will be expected to continue through early April.
Other Stories
The Inquirer: SEPTA’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year
6ABC: Community-led Peace Patrol aims to boost safety on SEPTA
Fox Philadelphia: Philly’s red light cameras: $100 fines to start at Eakins Oval
Bicycle Coalition: 2025 Bike Count Summary Shows an Increase in Bicycle Trips
CBS Philadelphia: Atlantic City Expressway goes cashless as tolls rise for all drivers
