“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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WHYY: Philadelphia transit advocates want you to spend your week without driving – Monday saw the start of the national Week Without Driving, and the kick-off event was hosted by Transit Forward Philly, a coalition of Philadelphia advocacy groups, discussing how to improve public transit options in the city. Week Without Driving exists to highlight how our urban infrastructure excludes the one-third of Americans that don’t rely on driving as their main form of transportation. Transit advocates across Philadelphia ask drivers to try to limit their car use this week to see what it’s like and consider how infrastructure can be improved for all.
BillyPenn: Councilmember holds City Hall bike lane bill, alarming cycling advocates – A new bike lane that was slated to be installed for free by PennDOT could be in limbo for a little bit longer. A City Council Committee held off on voting for the approval bill, meaning when PennDOT installs it later this month, it will be considered a pilot program, and could be in danger of being shut down at a later date. More than 20 people testified in favor of the bill at the committee session this week, but the bill’s sponsor Councilman Jeffery Young announced the bill would be put on hold. This bike lane can still be brought up in future City Council Committee meetings.
The Inquirer: Philly Rail Park could expand as new federal ruling clears the way – A federal ruling this week expands plans for the elevated Rail Park in the Callowhill neighborhood. Until the ruling, the old Reading Railroad Viaduct was classified as a railroad, and railroads are exempt from condemnation or taxation. The viaduct was ruled abandoned this week, removing the rail operation designation. The land, now under state and local jurisdiction, can now be condemned if the city can’t reach an agreement with Reading International. Overall goals for the area include a three-mile greenway across historic rail lines, connecting 10 neighborhoods, and filled with paths and greenery.
Other Stories
Chestnut Hill Local: Feet First Philly grants make city more walkable
NBC Philly: NTSB recommends SEPTA suspend more than half of its trains after 5 fires
BillyPenn: The Philly Bike Ride returns for a fourth year of leisurely cruising along Philly’s streets
Chestnut Hill Local: Capital Funds and the Risk for SEPTA
WHYY: NJ Transit is spending billions of dollars on a new fleet of buses. Here’s what to know
NBC Philly: Enjoy a 20-mile car-free experience with Philly Bike Ride this October
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.
