Entries by Jake Blumgart | Next City
-
The Top 5 Service Improvements on Our SEPTA Wishlist
The outlook for SEPTA’s capital budget looked bleak at Tuesday hearings. But that won’t stop us from dreaming.
-
Questions and Concerns Over SEPTA’s Fare Hikes and New Payment Systems
At two Wednesday hearings on the Philadelphia regional transit authority’s forthcoming budget, SEPTA riders brought up issues of access, costs and gender-specific stickers, among other concerns. They didn’t always get clear answers.
-
Learning from Boston and D.C. in an Early Look at Philly Bike Share
Philadelphia is late to the bike share game, but that means it can learn from other cities that have already implemented successful programs.
-
As SEPTA Looks Forward, a Few Suggestions for Improving Its Regional Rail
The Philadelphia metro area has one of the most expansive regional rail systems in the country. But thanks to uneven fares perpetuated by such things as outdated ticket collection practices, it mostly serves suburban commuters.
-
Philly Fare Hike Good for Suburban Commuters, Costly for Others
A July 1 fare hike for the Philadelphia region’s transit authority means cheaper trips for suburban and reverse commuters. But some lower-income riders could take a disproportionate hit.
-
-
In City Terms, What the Sequester Means
How the sequester’s $85.3 billion budget cuts will affect programs for public school students, low-income housing residents, the homeless and others in Philly.
-
As U.S. Transit Fares Increase, Europe Starts to Make It Free
Though public transportation ridership increased last year, many regional transit authorities in the U.S. will continue to raise fares. Meanwhile, small to mid-sized European cities are doing away with public transit fares altogether.
-
Last Public Transit System Using Tokens to Give Up the Clink
Philadelphia’s SEPTA is the last public transportation system in the nation to use tokens. Next year, it will say goodbye to them for good.
-
The Fight for the Mount Laurel Doctrine
New Jersey is one of the few states with a policy toolkit that could help break up clusters of urban poverty. But it comes under frequent legal attack from upper-income municipalities in the state.
-
New Orleans Braces for Unlikely Surge in Sex Workers
The oft-cited myth that major sporting events attract large numbers of sex workers and human traffickers has New Orleans on its toes for Sunday’s Super Bowl.
