The Hub 8/29/2025: 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.
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WHYY: Philadelphia’s mass transit cuts foreshadow possible similar moves by other agencies across U.S. – On Monday, many Philly residents, including students heading to their first day of school, woke up early to navigate eliminated, delayed, and crowded buses amid SEPTA’s first rollout of budget cuts. Other transit agencies across the country are similarly grappling with budget deficits and predicting cuts or fare raises, including the Chicago Transit Authority, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, San Francisco-area Bay Area Rapid Transit, and Dallas Area Rapid Transit.
PhillyVoice: As SEPTA service cuts take effect, city officials urge people to make changes to their commutes – City officials advised commuters to allow extra time for their commutes, avoid traveling during rush hour, consider off-street parking, and consider carpooling in an effort to help streamline morning commutes in the face of SEPTA service cuts. Tony Watlington, superintendent for the School District of Philadelphia, shared that attendance at Furness High School in South Philly on Monday dropped from the usual 90 percent to an estimated 70 percent, a decrease he attributes to commute issues from service cuts.
Next City: Philly Is Using AI-Driven Cameras To Keep Bus Lanes Clear. Transparency Can Help Build Trust. – In May 2025, SEPTA and the Philadelphia Parking Authority officially launched a program that equips certain city buses and trolleys with AI cameras, as an enforcement tool for ticketing cars illegally obstructing bus lanes. Although a human reviewer confirms an infraction before the system issues a ticket, surveys show that there is still general public skepticism about AI systems. Professor of Management Information Systems at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, Murugan Anandarajan, urges SEPTA to practice fairness and transparency to build public trust in AI systems.
Other Stories
WHYY: Late to work and school, SEPTA passengers face cuts on a commute-heavy Monday
NBC10: Philly leaders urge lawmakers to secure funding as riders deal with SEPTA cuts
City of Philadelphia: City, SEPTA to Restore School Transportation Service Using Existing Operating Subsidy from FY26 Budget
WHYY: Uber offers free rides to Philly seniors amid SEPTA cuts
BillyPenn: SEPTA cuts are here; What you need to know
PhillyVoice: NJDOT reminds drivers to stay alert as summer ends and schools reopen
PhillyVoice: SEPTA reveals student safety plan with service cuts set to kick in right before first day of school
