🚋 FASTER TROLLEYS AND BUSES
Getting delayed on the bus or trolley from an illegally parked car is a frustrating experience that can make transit riders feel like second-class citizens.
Fortunately, a new law passed by City Council would equip SEPTA buses and trolleys with cameras for automated enforcement against illegal parking in bus lanes, on trolley tracks, and blocking bus stops.
5th Square's Jesse Amadio testified at City Council last week in favor of this important legislation.
This is a great step forward and once Mayor Kenney signs it into law, we will see huge improvements to bus and trolley service!
Source: SEPTA
But as great of a start as this legislation is, it only applies to Center City and parts of West Philly, leaving out the majority of the city and thus many mobility-impaired Philadelphians who may find it difficult or impossible to get around illegally parked cars to board their bus or trolley. As Transit Forward Philadelphia's Connor Descheemaker writes:
But as the City of Philadelphia's own Disability Representation Map shows, people with disabilities aren't limited by geography, and in fact represent larger shares of the population in areas not covered by the enabling legislation. We urge City Council to expand this legislation citywide in six months so that everybody in Philadelphia can benefit from the high quality transit service made possible by camera-assisted transit zone enforcement.
🗳️ ELECTION NEXT TUESDAY
Get ready to vote! Election day is next Tuesday, November 7th.
As a reminder, we are endorsing the following candidates for this election:
In addition to our endorsements, our Steering Committee recommends VOTING NO to the retention of Anne Marie B Coyle for Court of Common Pleas. We join the Philadelphia Bar Association, the Inquirer, and several wards and advocacy groups in this recommendation.
Judge Coyle has a history of draconian punishments in criminal cases and multiple land use rulings overturning zoning board decisions to block affordable housing.
Want to have a say in our future endorsements? Become a 5th Square member today for $5 a month. New Member signups get a free Blvd Subway T-Shirt!
🧥 NEW BLVD SUBWAY HOODIES
Winter is quickly approaching—stay warm in style with our brand new Blvd Subway hoodies!
Pick one up for $50 with free shipping to show your support for your favorite proposed transit project and look good while doing it. Supplies are very limited so don't miss out!
We still have plenty of T-Shirts and crop tops in stock too! New Member signups get a free Blvd Subway T-Shirt!
🎃 HALLOWEEN DANGER
Matt Sullivan, in an inquirer op-ed, writes how the scariest thing for parents on Halloween isn’t tainted candy. It’s cars.
JESSICA GRIFFIN / Inquirer Staff Photographer
Every Halloween, there’s a sharp spike in the number of children killed by drivers... But kids getting killed by cars on Halloween isn’t inevitable and it isn’t immutable. Traffic deaths are a direct result of the built environment, which in turn stems from the choices that elected leaders, urban planners, and regulators have made.
💸 SUPPORT SEPTA FUNDING
SEPTA is facing an urgent fiscal cliff which may see drastic service cuts and higher fares. Fortunately, the Pennsylvania House passed HB 1219 which would increase the portion of sales tax that is allocated to public transit funding without increasing the tax itself.
This bill still needs to pass the State Senate, so contact you legislator to ensure SEPTA gets the funding it needs!
EVENTS
Philly Bike Action Community Bike Ride
November 5 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am, Washington Square
Join Philly Bike Action for a fun, casual bike ride from Washington Square to the Art Museum! We will meet at Washington Square on November 5th, 2023 around 9am and roll out around 9:15am. Indego stations are available at both Washington Square and at the Art Museum to dock! The total distance is slightly under 3 miles, so new cyclists and families are invited to join in order to feel protected in a group!
ELECTION DAY!
November 7, 7:00 am to 8:00 p.m.
See the candidates we're endorsing here
World Day of Remembrance 2023
November 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Lil Safety Village Hunting Parking
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia present World Day of Remembrance 2023. This annual event is scheduled to honor the people who’ve lost their lives to traffic violence in the Philadelphia area. #WDoR2023 is run in conjunction with cities all across the country on the third Sunday of November.
SURVEYS
Delaware River Trail Extension Prioritization
With the completion of the Delaware River Trail (DRT) from Penn Treaty Park to Pier 68, DRWC is focused on closing the gap in the trail network. The Delaware River Trail; Columbia Ave to Lehigh Ave Extension project is currently in the planning phase. To learn more about the project, including to view the boards from the most recent public meeting, please click here. As part of this planning effort, DRWC wants YOUR feedback. What Would You Prioritize?
DVRPC 2050 VISION SURVEY
The DVRPC is asking for feedback on its vision for Greater Philadelphia in 2050. Tell the DVRPC what they should prioritize over the next 30 years. Let them know if you think Philadelphia should have a new subway line by then. Survey closes December 15th.
AGING AND DISABILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The University of Pittsburgh and other Pennsylvania-based partners are supporting the efforts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, led by the Pennsylvania Department on Aging, to develop a Master Plan for Older Adults. Responses will be used to create a profile of the needs of older adults and adults with disabilities that will inform the Commonwealth's planning process.
WHAT WE'RE READING
🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE
🌳 PUBLIC SPACE
🚌 TRANSIT
🚴 MOBILITY
GRANTS & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Rue Landau Team / Open Application
Robert D Gilmore & Associates Inc /
Earth Quaker Action Team / Director of Organizing
WHYY / Transportation Reporter
DVRPC
Philadelphia Energy Authority /
Early Childhood Education Policy Director
5th Square is Philadelphia's urbanist political action committee.
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.
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