Benefits of #publictransit and how to FindMyRidePA.com

public opinion online: "Public transportation is a tremendous benefit to our society; it helps people without viable means of personal transportation get to the places they need to go; it greatly reduces traffic congestion in our urban centers; and it helps to improve our air quality.

Pennsylvanians are fortunate because we have a network of transportation resources available to help people get where they need to go, such as work or doctor appointments. Now it’s even easier for residents living in Franklin County to find these transportation resources by using an online resource, FindMyRidePA.com."

The drive for carless streets in Philadelphia

The drive for carless streets in Philadelphia: "For Jake Liefer the most unexpected perk of the papal visit weekend happened not on the Parkway or at Independence Hall, but in the serene streets of the city, where he got to take his 1-year-old daughter with him on their first bicycle ride together.

"I felt safe riding on these open streets with pedestrians and other bike riders and without having to worry about cars," the Point Breeze resident said. "It was so joyful without cars honking, engines revving.""

Businesses in the suburbs feel the pain of car culture

dailylocal: "“It was eye opening to see how much emphasis the business community places on public transportation,” he said of the planning commission’s research into the topic.

According to Waltermyer, one business owner said he could “increase his recruiting ability by 50 percent if he had reliable shuttle service to and from the train station.”"

What If the Subway Were Just … Free?

Philadelphia Magazine: "But the benefits of free mass transit are obvious. Transit workers who collect fares could be redistributed to other jobs. Lower-income residents would no longer have transit fares taking a large chunk of their paychecks (27 percent of SEPTA riders overall make less than $25,000 a year, according to SEPTA's most recent operating budget). Transit police would no longer have to police fare evasion. Plus, making transit fare-free should encourage ridership — and move people away from cars. Packed trains are more environmentally friendly than cars. Philadelphia may not have achieved Mayor Michael Nutter's goal of becoming America's greenest city, but sustainability is a stated goal of our political leadership."

One third of Philadelphia homes have no car

dailylocalnews: "More than a third of all Philadelphia homes are carless. It could be a matter of economics and a money saving measure, but for many I’m sure a car just isn’t required. The El or a bus is usually quicker and you don’t have to find a legal parking spot."

Phila Chamber of Commerce stands up for transit #su4t

PlanPhilly: "Business and labor joined politicians past and present at the “Stand Up 4 Transportation” rally at Dilworth Park, part of a national effort organized by the American Public Transportation Association to pressure Congress into addressing the looming expiration of current federal transportation funding law on May 31st. The rally was organized locally by SEPTA and the Chamber, with dozens of local unions, transit agencies, ridership organizations and transportation advocates joining the cause of urging Congress to replenish the national Highway Trust Fund."