Philadelphia Steps Up Parking, Traffic Enforcement After SEPTA Cuts
With SEPTA service cuts coming within days, the city of Philadelphia is asking commuters and residents to consider alternative forms of transportation as experts anticipate an increase in vehicle traffic…
With SEPTA service cuts coming within days, the city of Philadelphia is asking commuters and residents to consider alternative forms of transportation as experts anticipate an increase in vehicle traffic throughout the city and region.
According to CBS News Philadelphia, SEPTA plans to eliminate 32 bus routes, shorten 16 routes, and scale back service on 88 bus, Metro, and Regional Rail lines. These service disruptions will likely lead to more vehicles on Philadelphia roadways, extending commutes by about 18% to 20%, according to one expert's estimate.
The changes are set to take place on Sunday, Aug. 24. More changes could be in store in January if state legislators don't agree on funding to support the transit authority's $213 million budget hole.
Many SEPTA passengers fear they'll be waiting longer for transportation or traveling farther distances to locate a SEPTA stop. Others who spoke to CBS News Philadelphia said they plan to drive or use a ride-hailing service if their SEPTA route is eliminated or becomes overcrowded.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia has been identifying ways to lessen the impact on the city's traffic amid the transit system's cuts.
Traffic Enforcement
Philadelphia's Streets Department's Traffic Operations Center will be staffed between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. to handle peak commuting times. The center is prepared to adjust the timing of traffic signals as needed and dispatch repair crews to sites of malfunctioning signals.
The department's Right-of-Way Unit will be in regular communication with construction and utility permitholders to limit closures on artery roads and major streets. Any emergency work will be allowed to continue.
Parking Enforcement
Inspectors from the Streets Department's Right-of-Way Unit and Highway Division will be out on city streets to ensure permitted work doesn't begin before 9 a.m.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) will also step up its enforcement on North Broad Street, ensuring no vehicle parking in travel lanes during peak commuting hours.
The PPA said it may activate "pop-up" parking at vacant properties near transit stops.
