Speak Out
As gas prices increase, people from all over the city, including many students traveling to their summer jobs, are finding public transportation as a cost-cutting means of getting to and from work. Philadelphia’s public transportation agencies – both SEPTA and the Delaware River Port Authority, operators of the PATCO rail lines – have reported a steady increase in ridership over the past ten months, and they are looking at more riders as the summer months progress and gas prices continue to reach record levels. The growing ridership is apparent on the trains and buses, which are now crammed to standing-room-only when last year, patrons could easily find a seat. To accommodate the new passengers, SEPTA is using every viable vehicle in its fleet, and it has announced an increased budget along with a larger fleet of buses, according to SEPTA officials. SEPTA will also be adding more late-night services for bus and Regional Rail lines. Has the rising cost of fuel forced you to take public transportation more often? Have you noticed an increase in riders on your commute to school or work? What do you think of the proposed changes – will they help? What else could SEPTA do to accommodate riders and improve transit in the city?
Join the discusssion on the increasing ridership on SEPTA and let us know what you think!
Student Voices Staffe