The Hub 1/26/2024: Clean Air Council’s Weekly Round-up of Transportation News
“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: New Jersey Transit plans 15% fare increase starting on July 1 – Since the pandemic, New Jersey Transit has been struggling with a significant drop in ridership. Current ridership is only 80% of pre-pandemic levels, leaving the agency with an approximately $2 billion reduction in fare revenue. Similar to SEPTA, the agency received federal aid during the pandemic but this is nearly exhausted. They will increase fares by 15% in July to help address the deficit. Multiple public hearings are scheduled between Monday, March 4, 2024, and Friday, March 8, 2024.
PhillyVoice: Northbound I-95 lanes in Center City to close for 36 hours in early February – During the first weekend in February (Feb 3rd through Feb 5th) a portion of I95, between Columbus Boulevard and I-676 exits, will be closed for 36 hours. This scheduled closure is to partially demolish the current concrete covering between Chestnut and Walnut Streets. It is a part of the $329 million project that will connect Old City with Penn’s Landing – the Penn’s Landing CAP project.
WHYY: Drexel University is researching more environmentally friendly alternatives to road salt – Road salt and deicing chemicals can protect pedestrians and drivers as they prevent roads and sidewalks from becoming slippery. But they also have negative impacts on road structures and the environment. A team of scientists at Drexel University has developed a type of concrete that is self-heating and can be an effective way to reduce the use of road salt. This technology works by absorbing solar heat energy during warm weather and releasing it when there is snow or ice. The team hopes to complete their research by the end of winter.
Other Stories
PhillyVoice: Yearslong renovations begin at 30th Street Station, shuttering food court
BillyPenn: Plowing for pedalers: Philly cyclists unhappy with lack of bike lane snow removal
Smart Growth America: What it means to follow a Complete Streets approach in rural America
PhillyVoice: Countdown clocks arrive at more stations along Market-Frankford Line
My ChesCo: Nighttime Lighting Installation on Roosevelt Expressway May Impact Commutes, PennDOT Warns
