The Hub 12/3/2021: 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.
StreetsBlog NYC: Public Space, Private Initiative – Multiple Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in New York announced plans to create pedestrian-friendly areas. BIDs only cover 2% of New York so the city needs to follow, and improve the pedestrian environment in all five boroughs of the state.
Governing: Past Pandemics And Transit Ridership – Transit ridership isn’t close to its pre-pandemic levels. But in comparison to previous pandemics such as the Spanish Flu, there is greater uncertainty as to when ridership will fully recover. Presently, work from home is available to many, which was not an option during past pandemics.
WHYY: SEPTA Moving To Zero Emission Future – SEPTA plans to transition to a zero-emissions fleet in the future, but for now will be purchasing more diesel-electric hybrid buses to help bridge the time when they feel comfortable purchasing alternative fuel vehicles. The agency is entering a two-year contract to replace their diesel-only buses with hybrids instead of its usual 5-year contract with the hopes that cleaner vehicle options will be available in the near future.
The Inquirer: Bike Racks To Prevent Blocking Fire Hydrants – Parking in front of and within 15 feet of either side of a fire hydrant is barred in Philadelphia and the Parking Authority issued many tickets to violators. The Rack ‘Em Up Philly competition allowed three competing teams of young engineers and designers to install prototypes of bike corrals to prevent parking that blocks fire hydrants.
CityLab: U.S Grant Program Boosts Car-Free Transportation – Under President Biden’s Administration the majority of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant will be used for projects related to sidewalks, bikes, and public transit. In comparison to the previous administration, this program was used to invest in new roads and highways.
Image Source: CityLab
