The Hub 12/8/2023: 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.
Penn Capital-Star: Casey, Fetterman announces $144M grant to expand Amtrak’s Philadelphia to Pittsburgh service – Amtrak will be receiving $144M in Federal funding for track and safety improvements which will expand services between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. This improvement will accommodate a second daily passenger train between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. PennDOT will pay approximately 20% of the expansion cost.
Mass Transit: US: Cities Hope AI Camera Enforcement Can Improve Bus Services – Cities including Philadelphia, Washington D.C, and New York have launched (or are planning to launch) automated enforcement of parking violations at bus stops and in bus only lanes using bus-mounted cameras. SEPTA’s recent pilot program recorded many of these types of violations. The results from this study will be used for authorization to use automated enforcement permanently in Center City. This type of enforcement worked for other cities such as New York and has resulted in faster travel times for buses and greater accessibility of bus stops.
The Inquirer: Greyhound, Megabus passengers with disabilities were an ‘afterthought’ at new Spring Garden terminal, advocates say – According to the Inquirer, the new temporary boarding area for intercity buses in Philadelphia has numerous barriers for people with disabilities. Disability-rights and public transportation activists are asking the city and the bus agencies to improve accessibility at the Spring Garden Street stop. Problems identified at this site include lack of accessible restrooms, no seats or shelter, signs and maps that are hard to see for people with low vision, and other issues.
Other Stories
The Inquirer: Avenues in Philly begin at 64th. What happened to 1st through 63rd?
WHYY: Electric Vehicle mandate takes effect in Delaware
The Inquirer: Sections of Kelly Drive are in the dark. The city is working to resolve the issue
Northeast Times: A subway on the Boulevard?
The Inquirer: A Scranton-to-NYC Amtrak line might actually be coming to Northeast Pa. – and the 2024 campaign
