Philadelphia's student passes cut off at 8 p.m. and don't include weekends, but expanding the free fare program could help SEPTA rebuild ridership and create lifelong transit users.
"Last week, SEPTA [Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority] and the School District of Philadelphia announced the rollout of new student SEPTA Key cards, which replace older magnetic strip cards that had to be renewed weekly," writes Daniel Pearson. "This is a long-overdue step, but it doesn’t go far enough. To better support Philly youth, the district and SEPTA should provide full TransPasses to all eligible students, allowing them to ride free on SEPTA at all times."
The current passes, which don't include weekends, cut off at 8pm, making it difficult for students who work or stay late for activities to access transit when they need it. Broadening the program, Pearson argues, would not only provide more options for students now but "also help foster a lifelong habit of transit use" and turn students "from users into aficionados."
As a city with underperforming transit ridership, argues Pearson, Philadelphia should embrace any new potential riders. "There’s no better potential source of riders than the students who already use SEPTA to get to school and are eager for the freedom a TransPass would provide."
FULL STORY: Let students ride SEPTA for free all day, every day
Philadelphia Could Lose Free Transit Program
The city’s upcoming budget doesn’t include the Zero Fare program, which offers free SEPTA fare to more than 24,000 residents.
Why Philly’s SEPTA Faces a ‘Death Spiral’
The state has not offered a sustainable source of funding to meet the transit agency’s $240 million budget gap.
Philly Free Transit Pilot Clocks 1.8 Million Rides
A two-year pilot program from SEPTA offers free fares to 25,000 low-income riders.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service