The Hub 12/6/2024: 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.
BillyPenn: Cars prohibited from stopping in bike lanes in Philly – On Wednesday, Mayor Parker signed the “Get Out the Bike Lane” bill into law, making it illegal for motor vehicles to stop in bike lanes at any time. A $125 fine will be given to violators in Center City and University City, and a $75 fine in other parts of the city. This aims to keep bike lanes clear and protect bicyclists.
The Inquirer: How much did SEPTA fares increase? A helpful breakdown of each service – SEPTA’s 7.5% fare increase went into effect on Dec. 1st. Riders using SEPTA Key, PATCO, or contactless payment methods will now pay $2.50 on subways, buses, and trolleys. This is now similar to cash and quick trip riders. Regional Rail fares also increased and depending on the payment method and the station location riders will now pay 25 cents to $2 more.
The Inquirer: Pa. legislators should treat SEPTA funding like an emergency – Gov. Josh Shapiro flexed $153 million of highway dollars to fund SEPTA and prevent the massive 21.5% fare increase and possible service cuts that the agency was facing. This funding is only enough for the transit agency to maintain operation through June 2025, and is therefore a temporary bandaid. PA legislators need to invest in public transportation.
Other Stories
The Inquirer: What Amtrak prices are looking like this December — and how to save
WHYY: This iconic trolley bridge in Fairmount Park is getting restored
The Inquirer: It’s time to break the gridlock on ‘Roosevelt Boulevard Reimagined’
Smart Cities Dive: Streetcar and other rail transit vehicle fatalities the focus of FTA safety advisory
Pittsburgh Union Progress: Pittsburgh Regional Transit will begin selling bulk passes to employers, landlords and schools in January
