SEPTA Gets High Marks

The American Public Transportation Association reports that Americans took 10.4 billion rides on public transportation in 2011.  That’s a billion—with a b—more rides than in 2010. The findings include rides on subways, commuter trains, light-rail systems and buses. The increase shows not only that people...

If you’re looking for something fun and free to do tomorrow that truly connects you to the city, check out the Super SEPTA Scavenger Hunt. The SEPTA Citizen Advisory Committee cordially invites you to explore the city and collect clues while onboard public transportation. Teams...

The Obama administration would like cars and passenger trucks to average 56.2 miles per gallon by the year 2025.  This standard is on the high end of what the Transportation Department and the EPA have previously stated that they would consider (between 47 and 62...

If you’re having trouble flagging down a taxi and haven’t yet mastered the fine art of maneuvering the SEPTA bus lines, you’ll be pleased to know that another option for getting around town this summer is returning. That’s right, the pedi-cabs are back! Pedi-cabs (or...

The purple PHLASH trolleys return to the streets of Philadelphia on Sunday marking—at least for some—the official start of our spring and summer season. The PHLASH has been cruising Philadelphia city streets for over a decade offering convenient and cheap rides to visitors and transportation...

President Obama has announced a six-year, $53 billion plan for high-speed rail infrastructure.  On Monday, he will ask Congress to approve an initial $8 million that will go toward developing and improving high-speed trains and connecting rails.  (The rest of the funding will likely be...

Because we’ve noticed residents’ increasingly bitter attitude toward SEPTA because of the persistent snow-related detours and cancellations, we’d like to share some positive news. SEPTA have announced a comprehensive strategy to become a sustainable organization.  The plan, called SEP-TAINABLE: The Route to Regional Sustainability, sets...

Philadelphia is in the news this morning not just because of a certain baseball coup, but for our public transportation systems plan to go green.  A few weeks ago, we told you how SEPTA planned to recycle kinetic energy to create a hybrid subway system. ...

Using a $900,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, SEPTA has announced that it will make the Philadelphia subway system hybrid.  The project, designed by Viridity Energy, Inc. of Conshohocken, will use kinetic energy from braking trains to generate electricity (much the same way as...

If you live in an urban environment, consider walking to your destination.  Walking is not only good for the planet, but good for your overall fitness.  If weather (or footwear) doesn’t permit a walk, opt for public transportation.  Most public transportation systems offer day and...