The Hub 9/9/2022: 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.
The Inquirer: New York Drops Mask Requirement On Public Transportation – The new booster shots that are targeting most common strains of COVID-19, is one reason New York state is dropping its mask requirements on public transit. Mask wearing will be encouraged but not required. New Yorkers are encouraged to take advantage of the boosters.
WHYY: Closure Of Small Bridge In Delco Causing Big Headache For Ridley Park – The Sellers Avenue Bridge in Ridley Park was built in 1904 and was updated 50 years later in 1952. The bridge has been a reliable passageway for both pedestrians and vehicles, but due to wear and tear PennDOT closed it back in July. Multiple agencies are involved as the bridge is owned by the state, the base is on Federal property, and it passes over Amtrak’s line. They are working on plans to repair the bridge but in the meantime the closure has resulted in massive build up of traffic and decline in revenue for businesses in the area.
The Inquirer: From Rust Bucket To Ride – Trolleys have been operating on Philadelphia streets for over 150 years and have a special place in many residents’ hearts. In January 2020, SEPTA removed the city’s famous 1947 PCC II trolleys from service on the Route 15/Girard Avenue trolley line. Since then, workers have been rebuilding these cars. The rebuilding process was difficult as blueprints found for the cars were unreadable.
The Kansas City Star: A Car-centric KC Is Dangerous For Pedestrians And Cyclists – According to Kansas City police, through the end of August 60 people have been killed on Kansas City roads. This includes 13 pedestrians and two cyclists. The city has a multi-year Vision Zero plan to reduce traffic fatalities but city officials need to act now and use available funds to build better infrastructure that will protect pedestrians and cyclists, and slow drivers.
WHYY: SEPTA Gets $23 Million For Adapting Bus Depots For Electric And Hybrid Vehicles – SEPTA is moving towards its goal of reducing the mass transit agency’s emissions to zero. They received over $23 million in Federal funds to upgrade power at three SEPTA bus depots in Philadelphia. There will be electrical upgrades and installations of backup generators that could charge electric buses in times of conventional power outages. Money will also be used to help existing technicians upgrade their skills.
The Inquirer: Section Of South Broad Street Will Be Closed Until Spring 2024 – Starting Monday, there will be a single-lane closure on northbound Broad Street between Tasker and Morris Street. The closure is due to a major renovation project at the SEPTA’s Tasker-Morris Station. The renovation will make the station fully ADA accessible. During renovation the station will remain open for Broad Street Line riders.
Image Source: The Inquirer
