The Hub 3/11/2021: 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.
Feet First Philly, Philadelphia’s pedestrian advocacy group sponsored by Clean Air Council, launched its #FundSidewalks campaign. We are requesting the Mayor adds funding for sidewalks to this year’s budget. Take this action and tell the City of Philadelphia and Mayor Kenney to fund sidewalks like they fund streets.
The Inquirer: Sidewalks Are A Matter Of Life Or Death – Philadelphia’s pedestrian traffic deaths have increased, with more than 40 pedestrians killed in 2021. Roads without proper sidewalks contribute to this increase, as pedestrians have nowhere to travel safely. “Philadelphia urgently needs to upgrade its sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure.” The City can invest less than 1% ($500,000) of the Streets Department budget to help repair Philly’s sidewalks.
New York Times: E.P.A. To Tighten Tailpipe Rules For The Biggest Polluters On The Road – The Biden administration recently announced that they will be setting stricter rules for tailpipe emissions from tractor-trailers, heavy trucks, delivery vans, and even buses. It is the first time in over 20 years that tailpipe emissions standards for the road’s biggest polluters have been tightened. This new rule will reduce emissions that are contributing to climate change.
AP News: Public Transit Gets $3.7B To Woo Riders – COVID-19 caused a great reduction in transit ridership across the United States. As cities reopen, public transit is getting large funding to help maintain service and also to invest in green fleets (electric buses). Many transit agencies are adjusting and implementing new strategies, such as offering discounted fares and free fares, to boost ridership.
The Inquirer: The Next Dangerous Roadway Philly Redesigns Needs To Avoid The Washington Ave. Missteps – Lehigh Avenue is a dangerous roadway in Philadelphia, with more recorded traffic fatalities in comparison to Washington Avenue. City planners are redesigning this street to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Repaving of Lehigh Ave is expected to start later this year.
PlanPhilly: $96 Million Federal Grant Should Keep SEPTA Rolling Through 2024 – SEPTA received additional emergency funding of $96 million from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. This money will be used to fill gaps in the agency’s operating budget due to low ridership during the pandemic.
PlanPhilly: Philly’s Newest EV Chargers Designed To Help Drivers Living In Rowhouses Go Electric – Quick Electric Vehicle chargers are being installed in various places in Philadelphia, such as outside of a Wawa store. This is to provide residents living in rowhomes or duplexes the opportunity to own electric vehicles despite not having a driveway to host a charger. These quick chargers will provide 80% of charge in 30-minutes for only $8.
Image Source: The Inquirer
