The Hub 7/18/2025: 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.
Join the Transit For All PA campaign for sustainable transit funding to keep our State moving forward.
WHYY: PATCO is phasing in service changes starting Monday for deep cleaning – PATCO is adjusting weekday overnight service on the Speedline to address cleanliness and safety concerns, including stopping owl service for six months beginning in September. Starting Monday, July 21st, the first phase of closures will begin, temporarily closing some stations from midnight to 4:30 AM. The full list of closures can be found here. They will reopen on a rotating two-week schedule to address the concerns. Phase two will begin September 1st, completely suspending weekday overnight service on the Speedline for six months.
CBS News: SEPTA police chief says safety is improving on system amid fare evasion crackdown – The first half of the SEPTA 2025 crime report was made public this week, showing an ongoing decline in serious crimes across the network. This trend follows a year of record-setting crime reduction numbers, with a drop of 33% in 2024. While making strides in reducing serious offenses, the transit police have also been clamping down on minor offenses. This dramatic uptick in “quality-of-ride” offenses includes fare evasion, smoking, and other items. There has been a 27% increase in enforcement actions compared to the first quarter of 2024.
WHYY: SEPTA cuts still looming as riders prepare to lose access to familiar routes – Next month would see the start of massive SEPTA cuts, and riders are concerned about the loss of service they rely on. Starting on August 24, 20% of service would be slashed, including three dozen bus lines. Additional cuts would take effect on January 1, eliminating five regional rail lines and imposing a 9 PM curfew on all rail. SEPTA needs to find a permanent and secure funding source, not a one-year injection of cash, acting as a stopgap. Elected officials from across the city have gone to Harrisburg to fight for funding, SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch said. SEPTA officials continue to lobby for permanent funding and are awaiting the outcome of the budget negotiations.
Other Stories
The Inquirer: No car? Here’s how to reach the Jersey Shore by train, bus, or rideshare
The Inquirer: How to use tax credits for EVs and home projects before they expire
BillyPenn: 3 PennDOT projects are nearing completion in and near Philly that could ease your commute
PlanPhilly: A new app allows Philadelphians to report parking violations using ‘laser vision’
PhillyVoice: Neighbors call for new traffic pattern at intersection near South Street Bridge after 2 separate bike crashes
