Here is a City Paper article that puts SEPTA’s dirty laundry out to dry.

The main gist is:

Ridership is up, but Philly’s transit system is crumbling in more ways than you can see.

How bad do you think it will get?  Or will there be a political change that resolves the situation?

A couple links for Friday afternoon:

Do you give up your seat for pregnant riders?

An amazing SEPTA tattoo!

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A question for SEPTA – when are you going to propose BRT on some of your suburban bus routes or along Route 1?

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Pennsylvania House majority whip Stan Saylor (R – York) has been voicing his discontent with SEPTA regarding their decision to use diesel-electric hybrids instead of compressed natural gas (CNG) powered buses.

It seems like Rep Saylor is trying his hardest to get another customer for Marcellus Shale natural gas while stating that he will make it especially hard on SEPTA when if PA gets around to a transportation bill.  Here is his direct quote:

“I tell you, if we ever do a transportation bill, I will do everything I can to stop SEPTA from getting any more money until they change their management practices.”

SEPTA should continue to do what it needs to do in order to make updates to their fleet, reduce its dependence on natural resources and keep to their budget. 

Remember – we want City Hall Station renovated!!

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Someone loves SEPTA

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Lawrence Rahyle, 19, was sentenced to 4 to 10 years in prison and five years of probation. He will begin serving his sentence after he completes an 11 1/2 to 23 month sentence for an unrelated gun conviction.

Keith Mup Bellamy, 23, was sentenced to 7 1/2 to 15 years in prison.

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Finally, closure to one of the worst SEPTA related crimes in recent history.

Prior to the beginning of her trial, Penny Chapman pled guilty to one count of attempted murder, 11 counts of aggravated assault, two counts of possession of an instrument of crime, and related crimes.  She received a sentence of 5-10 years in state prison with an additional 5 years probationary period. 

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And a couple folks were arrested in seperate incidents at the Haddonfield PATCO Station, including one woman for a homicide in Harrisburg, PA.

Your cheap travel options for getting to NYC by bus just got reduced due to a US Dept of Transportation crack down on dangerous operations.

Megabus and Bolt Bus are still operating and will likely up their frequency to deal with an increase in demand. 

Is Greyhound really still an option? 

Obviously, you might decide to travel on SEPTA using the more expensive and longer trip via the Trenton Line with a transfer on NJT. 

It is much safer - and cheaper than Amtrak!

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 And more info on the bike race here and here.