⭐ BIG WINS FOR SEPTA FARES ⭐
After an extended advocacy period for SEPTA's new fare structure - set to kick in NEXT WEEK - we got news from a SEPTA board committee meeting that the agency is proposing the following changes in the 11th hour:
🧒 Free Rides for Children under 12
🔀 One Free Transfer, now valid for two hours
We at 5th Square are thrilled to see these changes that take some big steps in the direction of our Fair Fares platform which we've been promoting for the current fare negotiations. It's a huge win for our years-old One City / One Fare Campaign for free transfers and our two-year-old push for free child fares.
This is a major step for SEPTA and for our entire region as we move towards a more equitable and sustainable future. This eases the burden for families who rely on transit and for riders who rely on transferring to get around our city -- many of whom are shown to come from areas of deep poverty.
We expect SEPTA to finalize these changes at Thursday's Board meeting.
Next time your child rides free on the bus, subway or trolley, or you make a free transfer, think of 5th Square and our hard-working all-volunteer team!
👉 This would not have been possible without your help! 👈
We thank all the volunteers who signed our fare platform, made calls, sent emails, gave testimony, and spoke about these issues with their elected officials. We also thank our dedicated Transit committee who organized our response and ensured our message came across loud and clear.
As an entirely volunteer organization, this is a next-level win for us, and it was made possible through your financial support.
🏆 HELP US GET MORE WINS IN 2020 🏆
Join 5th Square today as a member and sign up to get involved with our Transit Committee to keep the momentum going.
You can also support our work by making a one-time donation.
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⚠️ HELP PREVENT ANOTHER TRAGEDY ON HENRY AVE
A cyclist was tragically killed at the intersection of Henry Avenue and Hermit Lane in the Wissahickon section of Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon.
Henry Avenue has long been dangerous for all road users -- we need your help to advocate to make this road safer.
PennDOT is taking comments on its proposal for a Henry Avenue project.
We believe everyone reading this should comment on the project’s page now. Comments are due by 5PM on Monday June, 29th.
Changes we'd like to see on this stretch are:
- A lower speed limit
- Speed cameras
- Road diet
- Protected bike lanes
- Pedestrian refuges
Read the Bicycle Coalition's recent post for more info.
⌚ LAST CHANCE FOR WASHINGTON AVE SAFETY SURVEY
Do you live near Washington Ave or use it often? You about a week left to fill out a quick survey to improve Washington Ave for pedestrians and cyclists.
We need supporters of a safer Washington Ave to take this survey in big numbers. We much prefer the 3-Lane option over the 4-Lane and Mixed-Lane options.
We also recommend safety supporters ask OTIS in the survey to put safety for pedestrians before fast vehicle movement at the intersection of Broad and Washington.
Read more about the project on OTIS's Complete Streets page, or watch these short videos.
We are proud to support the Emergency Housing Protection Act, and are thrilled to see the unanimous passage of five of its bills in City Council extending the eviction moratorium, waiving rent fees, and creating an eviction diversion program.
This package of bills was spearheaded by all three of our endorsed candidates for council in the last election cycle: Councilmembers Brooks, Gauthier, and Gym.
As the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our city and its residents, this legislation will help avoid a massive wave of evictions. 5th Square believes that housing is a human right and we need to protect the most vulnerable renters from homelessness while also taking steps to ensure landlords get paid.
Protesters gathered last weekend at Markward Playground in Center City to deliver a message to the City: Rename Taney Street. Taney Street is named after Roger B. Taney, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice and the primary author of the Dred Scott decision, considered by many to be the worst decision in the history of the Court.
5th Square is partnering with Fitler Square Neighbors to promote the petition to Rename Taney Street throughout Philadelphia.
The City of Philadelphia would like to welcome you to participate in our Digital Public Engagement for the Philadelphia Vision Zero Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. Please fill out this 5-minute survey if you live, work, or own a business in Philadelphia. Your feedback will inform the Action Plan that will help create safer streets and save the lives of people who walk.
Columbia Journalism Investigations | Pennsylvania Primary Tracking
This will be an election like no other and we want to be sure your vote counts.
Between the logistical hurdles of an expanded mail-in vote, protests that have turned violent and a global pandemic lurking, casting a vote has likely never been more difficult, complicated or, frankly, scary. The potential for problems in this election are tremendous, and this survey wants to know what your experience has been.
This survey is being conducted by Columbia Journalism Investigations, an investigative-reporting unit at the Columbia Journalism School, reporters from the USA Today Network in Pennsylvania and PBS Frontline.
OTIS | Washington Avenue Repaving and Improvement Project
The City of Philadelphia is repaving Washington Avenue in 2021. Repaving is an opportunity to change the roadway and make it safer for people walking, driving, riding transit, and biking. Take a moment to learn and provide feedback about the Washington Avenue repaving and improvement project.
New Guidelines for Outdoor Dining - Restaurants that have patio areas on their properties or already have sidewalk café licenses will be able to offer outdoor seating starting Friday, June 12. Businesses without existing permits, and those who wish to expand their existing outdoor dining footprint, are encouraged to apply for our new outdoor dining options. Registration and approval is required for new or expanded outdoor dining prior to opening.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
We're an all-volunteer grassroots organization advocating for safe and affordable transportation, abundant housing, and more and better public spaces. You’re receiving this email if you signed up via our website, attended one of our events, or supported one of our advocacy campaigns.
Support our advocacy with a recurring monthly contribution of $5.