🚨 45% SEPTA CUTS ANNOUNCED
This past week, SEPTA announced it will need to make massive cuts due to its funding shortfall.
5th Square is Philadelphia's urbanist political action committee, organizing and advocating for better transportation, land use, and public space policies. Our work is made possible through the support of over 400 members donating anywhere from $5 to $25 a month.
🚨 45% SEPTA CUTS ANNOUNCED
This past week, SEPTA announced it will need to make massive cuts due to its funding shortfall.
Along with a fare increase to $2.90 that would tie SEPTA with the MTA for the country's highest fares, the cuts would slash all service frequencies, completely eliminate 50 bus routes and 5 regional rail lines, and would implement a 9pm curfew for all rail transit.
🫵 HOW YOU CAN HELP STOP SEPTA CUTS
So how can you help prevent these devastating cuts?
Use this form from the PA House Democrats to contact state senators and tell them that we need a plan to fund PA's transportation agencies.
And as always, a great way to help is to get involved as a volunteer with 5th Square.
🥳 ZERO FARE PROGRAM IS SAVED
After a budget proposal suggested they would both be cut, Mayor Parker announced that the Zero Fare program and free SEPTA for city workers will be continued.
Discussions over the Zero Fare program are still ongoing so we'll be watching the budget proposals to make sure both programs are included, but for now, thank you to Mayor Parker for recognizing the value SEPTA provides to low-income Philadelphians and city workers.
And thank you to everyone who signed our petition and contacted their elected officials to make this happen!
🚲 WE WERE RIGHT ABOUT WASHINGTON AVE
Remember the fight for a safer Washington Avenue?
Now two years out from the redesign, OTIS has released a new report evaluating Washington Ave.
This report continues to vindicate the safety measures our volunteers fought for. Vehicle travel times did not significantly change, speeding decreased, pedestrian volumes increased, and bike traffic has tripled in some sections. It's a win for all road users!
🏙️ CENTER CITY OPEN STREETS
Center City District is hosting open streets near Rittenhouse Square on Sunday 4/20 and 4/27 from 10am to 5pm.
Stop by to enjoy car-free streets, spring weather, and entertainment!
🗞️ 5TH SQUARE IN THE NEWS
Streetsblog USA:
"This kind of transit access is really critical for the most vulnerable riders," said Morgan Allgrove-Hodges, transit committee co-chair for the urbanist political action committee 5th Square. "The burden of paying for transit is much higher on low income people, who are often dealing with other social and economic disparities. So being able to ease this one disparity can really have outsized benefits for a person's life across the board."
🚨 ACTION ITEMS
🏛️ Budget Meetings and Surveys
Mayor Parker and City Council are taking input on our upcoming budget via public meetings and surveys. Find one of the Mayor's town halls here, find one of City Council's hearings here, and fill out these surveys:
📣 Tell PennDOT Your Priorities
PennDOT wants you to share your transportation needs. This is an important opportunity to guide PennDOT's initiatives for the next decade and push for safer streets, no I-95 expansion, the Roosevelt Blvd subway, and more!
See our full guide on how to complete their survey.
🗳️ Get Ready for the Primary Election
Mail-in ballot applications are open for the 5/20 primary election. It takes only a few minutes to request a ballot now and make sure you're ready to vote in May. If you're not already a registered voter, you can register here.
🦺 Support Castor Ave Safety Improvements
Roadway safety opponents have rented a billboard on Castor Ave in Northeast Philly organizing folks to oppose a plan to save lives along this deadly corridor.
Fortunately, there is a neighborhood petition supporting the proposed safety measures for Castor Ave -- from Oxford Circle to Cottman Ave.
🛣️ Stop I-95 Expansion
PennDOT is planning to expand I-95 in Center City and South Philly by adding lanes and new ramps. This will threaten the well-being of our neighborhoods by worsening air quality, increasing noise pollution, harming our access to the waterfront, and destroying sports facilities. To make matters worse, PennDOT has been deceitful about its engagement efforts.
Join us in telling PennDOT that highway expansion has no place in the core of Philadelphia by signing our petition.
EVENTS
Night Cycle PHL Bike Day / 4:20 Ride
Saturday, April 19th, 5pm meet, 5:30pm roll | Franklin Square
Temple University Bike Tour
Sunday, April 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Temple University Diamond Street parking lot
In this bike tour, cyclists will travel a beautiful 22-mile route from Temple's Main Campus to Temple Ambler, touring the Greenway through Fairmount Park, Wissahickon Valley Park's Forbidden Drive and Fort Washington State Park.
Explore the Audubon Loop Trail
Saturday, May 10th • 1:00 pm | John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
Join the Bicycle Coalition on World Migratory Bird Day for a presentation on birds and the latest trail expansion plans, followed by a biking tour of the Audubon Loop Trail and the Perkiomen Trail.
Schuylkill River Trail Christian to Crescent Opening Day Celebration
Saturday, May 17 from 10:30am to 2:30pm | Plaza on SRT near Christian St
The Schuylkill River Trail's connection between Christian Street and Grays Ferry Crescent is finally opening! Join the opening day celebration for the SRT's newest segment.
5th Square May Meetup
May 22, 6:00pm – 8pm | Resurrection Philadelphia’s Annex, 401 S 42nd St
Join 5th Square organizers and volunteers for an informal, in-person meet-up! This is an indoor/outdoor, family-friendly event. These meet-ups are casual social gatherings, and are intended as a fun way for new and existing supporters to connect with other people involved with 5th Square and urbanist issues in Philadelphia.
Design Advocacy Group: One-on-One with Angela Brooks
Wednesday, May 28 · 5:30 - 7pm | 1218 Arch Street
Join DAG as they host Angela Brooks, Philadelphia's new Chief Housing & Urban Development Officer and Immediate Past President of the American Planning Association (APA), for a one-on-one conversation that will touch on issues related to affordable and accessible housing and community development.
WHAT WE'RE READING
🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE
🌳 PUBLIC SPACE
🚌 TRANSIT
🚴 MOBILITY
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
SEPTA T-Shirt Design Contest (submit your design by 4/15)
Office of the City Commissioners / Election Board Worker
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.
Support our advocacy with a recurring monthly contribution of $5 or more.