PHILADELPHIA - Just ask two brothers from Northeast Philadelphia, who were reportedly assaulted by separate packs of teenage punks in separate incidents on the El last week, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
On Saturday, William Costa, 47, of Mayfair, told SEPTA "Transit Police" that he was pushed from behind and knocked to the ground by two girls, then kicked by a boy as two other girls videotaped the incident at Frankford Terminal at around 08:10 last Thursday morning. William Costa suffered a broken index finger and needed four stitches above his eye.
The assailants fled onto a westbound train at Bridge-Pratt, which is home to the SEPTA "Transit Police" Zone 4 station. SEPTA's Jerri Williams told the Daily News that the incident was reported, "... she said she had no notes of his being kicked and that the police report indicated there were only four female assailants."
It makes one wonder where exactly the "Transit Police" were during the morning rush hour. Most times, it's virtually impossible to find a "Transit Police" officer at Bridge-Pratt, but when officers do patrol the area, the general attitude seems to be issue citations for offenses that most law enforcement agencies would file as criminal complaints.
Meanwhile, Joseph Costa, 57, of Parkwood, was assaulted by a different group, this time at 20:00 Friday evening at the 60 St El Station. In that incident, Joseph Costa was struck in the back of his head with a board, then was attacked by 10 teens - 8 boys and 2 girls - who kicked and punched him while he was down for about 90 seconds.
Philadelhpia Police arrived moments later, and reportedly told the other Costa that he was the seventh victim on the El this week.
Adding insult to injury, a witness reportedly told Joseph Costa that he knew some of the attackers, but didn't want to get involved for fear of retailation.
"That's Philadelphia for you," Joseph Costa said.
Sure as hell is...
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
POSSIBLE STABBING AT 69 ST
UPPER DARBY, Delaware County - Few details are available, however, during the PM rush hour last night, SEPTA "Transit Police" and Upper Darby Township Police were investigating a report of a stabbing on the El at 69 St Terminal. The incident was reported shortly before 5:00pm Tuesday night. No other details, including the condition of the victim or any description of suspects, were available as of this posting.
There was also a report of a passenger struck by a northbound P&W train at West Overbrook Station, Haverford Township, Delaware County. The victim's legs were reportedly over the platform when he was struck by the train. The victim was removed to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Earlier in the day, there was a report of an injured passenger on the El at 11 St Station, causing delays between 8 St and 15 St. During the mid-day hours yesterday, El service was operating on the eastbound platform while the investigation was ongoing on the westbound platform, reportedly in the area of 8 St.
The reported stabbing comes just days after an overnight assault on the Broad Street Line over the weekend. In that incident, a group of teens reportedly assaulted a 14 year old boy on a northbound train as it approached Allegheny Station. The group responsible for the attack reportedly boarded the train at Susquehanna-Dauphin Station. No arrests have been reported in that incident.
News reports indicated that there were no cameras on the Broad Street car where the assault reportedly occured. The incident comes less than two months after the SEPTA Board approved a contract to purchase "Wimax-based" video surveillance systems for 72 B-IV cars, on top of the 53 systems already in use on the Broad Street Line.
But, of course, the system is safe...
There was also a report of a passenger struck by a northbound P&W train at West Overbrook Station, Haverford Township, Delaware County. The victim's legs were reportedly over the platform when he was struck by the train. The victim was removed to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Earlier in the day, there was a report of an injured passenger on the El at 11 St Station, causing delays between 8 St and 15 St. During the mid-day hours yesterday, El service was operating on the eastbound platform while the investigation was ongoing on the westbound platform, reportedly in the area of 8 St.
The reported stabbing comes just days after an overnight assault on the Broad Street Line over the weekend. In that incident, a group of teens reportedly assaulted a 14 year old boy on a northbound train as it approached Allegheny Station. The group responsible for the attack reportedly boarded the train at Susquehanna-Dauphin Station. No arrests have been reported in that incident.
News reports indicated that there were no cameras on the Broad Street car where the assault reportedly occured. The incident comes less than two months after the SEPTA Board approved a contract to purchase "Wimax-based" video surveillance systems for 72 B-IV cars, on top of the 53 systems already in use on the Broad Street Line.
But, of course, the system is safe...
Sunday, August 09, 2009
FIRE AT 69 ST
Upper Darby police are investigating a fire which occured in the bathroom at 69th Street Terminal earlier today.
The fire broke out in the women's restroom across from the "Transit Police" zone office in the West Terminal at around 14:40 this afternoon. Upper Darby Fire responded, however the bulk of the fire was knocked down upon arrival.
No further details are available; a cause has not been determined.
The fire broke out in the women's restroom across from the "Transit Police" zone office in the West Terminal at around 14:40 this afternoon. Upper Darby Fire responded, however the bulk of the fire was knocked down upon arrival.
No further details are available; a cause has not been determined.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
BUS BRIDGES FOR MEDIA/SHARON HILL TROLLEYS OVER NEXT YEAR
SEPTA will initiate a major improvement project for the 101/Media and 102/Sharon Hill trolleys which will result in various bus bridge operations over a 12 month period beginning after Labor Day.
The two suburban light rail lines will be reconstructed as part of a $34 million project funded in part by the federal stimulus program. Among the six elements which will comprise the project:
The bolted rail will be replaced with continuous welded rail that is common on the Regional Rail system, which brush cutting to be conducted concurrently;
The steel catenary traction power structures will be repainted;
A total of 19 highway grade crossings on both branches will be upgraded;
A total of 10 intersections on the 101/Media line will see upgraded highway grade crossing warning devices;
Fiber optic cable will be installed on both branches; and
The flexibility to work on sections of the power lines for both routes will be increased.
In addition to the above work, SEPTA is planning to upgrade several stations along both lines, replace ties and wooden trolley poles, and several additional highway grade crossings.
As part of the project, SEPTA will operate bus bridges in four stages as follows:
STAGE 1 (September – December): Shuttle service between Shadeland Av (Drexel Hill Jct) and Sharon Hill
STAGE 2 (December – March 2010): Shuttle service between Woodland Av/Springfield and Media
STAGE 3 (March 2010 – June 2010): Shuttle service between Drexel Hill Jct and Media
STAGE 4 (June 2010 – Labor Day 2010): Shuttle service along entire length of Routes 101 and 102
Additional stimulus work is slated to occur past Labor Day 2010 and into 2011, however, SEPTA is not planning to further interrupt trolley service after Labor Day 2010. SEPTA has established a toll-free hotline relating to the project; the phone number is 1-800-808-5025.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
ARCHIVES FROM OLD SITE BEING TRANSFERRED
I am in the process of transferring my old posts from between 1999 and 2002 from my old Angelfire web site to this blog. This will be an extended operation, as there are nearly 20 plus web pages of news items from the past that have to be transferred over.
Hopefully, when I'm done being lazy, I'll start posting new material here more often...
Hopefully, when I'm done being lazy, I'll start posting new material here more often...
Saturday, August 23, 2008
SCHEDULE CHANGES BY DATE
Well, it took a hell of a big shift in attitudes down at 1234 Market (namely, the long overdue departure of "Fearless Leader" Moore from the GM position at SEPTA) for me to come back, but, the new schedule changes mark what should be the biggest improvement in SEPTA service in recent years.
Here is a listing of changes to the SEPTA system by date:
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE August 25, 2008
96 - Norristown Transportation Center to Lansdale
Improve Weekday service to every 30 minutes
101 - 69th Street Terminal to Media
Improve Weekday, mid-day service to every 20 minutes
102 - 69th Street Terminal to Sharon Hill
Improve Weekday, mid-day service to every 20 minutes
105 - 69th Street Terminal to Ardmore
Establish Weekday evening service operating every 60 minutes
113 - 69th Street Terminal to Marcus Hook
Establish Weekday, mid-day service between 69th Street Terminal and Darby to operate every 15 minutes
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE August 30, 2008
105 - 69th Street Terminal to Ardmore
Establish Saturday evening service operating every 60 minutes
108 - 69th Street Terminal to Philadelphia International Airport, Airport Business Center or UPS
Extend all Weekend trips from 67th & Elmwood to Airport. Create 30 minute service in southwest Philadelphia
111 - 69th Street Terminal to Chadds Ford
Extend Saturday service from Granite Run Mall to Chadds Ford to operate every 60 minutes
113 - 69th Street Terminal to Marcus Hook
Improve Saturday evening service to every 30 minutes between 69th Street Terminal and Chester Transportation Center
120 - 69th Street Terminal to Cheyney University
Improve Saturday limited service (3 round trips) to operate every 2 hours
125 - Center City to King of Prussia or Valley Forge
Add six new roundtrips and improving service to every 20 minutes between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE August 31, 2008
28 - Tacony to Fern Rock Transportation Center
Adjust Sunday service to every 60 minutes (same as Saturdays)
37 - South Philadelphia to Eastwick and Chester
Provide Daily Owl service to Philadelphia International Airport and Harrah’s Casino from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
93 - Norristown Transportation Center to Pottstown
Extend two Sunday evening trips from Collegeville to Pottstown
96 - Norristown Transportation Center to Lansdale
Extend Sunday evening service from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
99 - Norristown Transportation Center to Phoenixville
Extend Sunday evening service from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.; service between Phoenixville and Royersford replaced by new Route 139
100 - 69th Street Terminal to Norristown
Improve Sunday service to every 20 minutes
105 - 69th Street Terminal to Ardmore
Establish Sunday evening service to operate every 60 minutes
111 - 69th Street Terminal to Chadds Ford
Establish Sunday service to operate every 60 minutes
113 - 69th Street Terminal to Marcus Hook
Improve Sunday service to every 30 minutes between 69th Street Terminal and Chester Transportation Center
120 - 69th Street Terminal to Cheyney University
Improve Sunday limited service (3 round trips) to every 2 hours
124 - Center City to King of Prussia or Chesterbrook
Add six new roundtrips and increase service to every 20 minutes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
125 - Center City to King of Prussia or Valley Forge
Add six new roundtrips and increase Sunday service to every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
129 - Oxford Valley Mall to Morrell Park
Establish Sunday service to operate every 60 minutes
139 - King of Prussia to Philadelphia Premium Outlets
New service replacing Phoenixville to Royersford section of Route 99; service will operate via PA 23 between King of Prussia and Phoenixville and will replace portions of the Greater Valley Forge TMA's "Suburban Link" serivce
R - Wissahickon Transportation Center to Frankford Transportation Center
On Sundays, operate every 15 minutes from start of service until 7 p.m. Operate every 20 minutes between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE September 2, 2008
8 - Olney Transportation Center to Frankford Transportation Center
Add Weekday, mid-day service to every 30 minutes
14 - Frankford Transportation Center to Neshaminy and Oxford Valley Malls
Switch Weekday service to all articulated buses
17 - South Philadelphia to Penn's Landing
Increase Weekday, Peak Hour service to every 3 minutes (AM/Northbound) and to every 4 minutes (PM/Southbound)
21 - 69th Street Terminal to Penn's Landing
Extended Weekday, Peak Hour frequency to every 8 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; all service to operate to 69th Street Terminal, with all service to 61-Pine to be covered by Route 42.
26 - Germantown to Olney and Frankford Transportation Center
Improve Weekday, Peak Hour service to every 8 minutes (AM/PM, Eastbound/Westbound); Operate Weekday evening service to Frankford Transportation Center every 30 minutes between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
31 - Overbrook Park to Center City
Improve Mid-Day Weekday service to 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
40 - West Park to Society Hill
Adjust Mid-Day Weekday service to every 15 minutes, and evenings to every 20 minutes
42 - Wycombe and West Philadelphia to Penn's Landing
Extended Weekday, Peak Hour frequency to every 8 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
47 - Olney to South Philadelphia
Extend Weekday, Peak Hour service to operate from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
70 - Torresdale and Tacony to Fern Rock Transportation Center
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to average every 3 minutes between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.; Improve Weekday evenings and Weekend service to every 20 minutes until 11 p.m.
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE September 6, 2008
124 - Center City to King of Prussia or Chesterbrook
Add two new Saturday roundtrips to increase service to every 20 minutes between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
K - East Falls to Arrott Terminal
Improve service on Saturdays to every 20 minutes between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
R - Wissahickon Transportation Center to Frankford Transportation Center
Improve service on Saturdays to every 20 minutes between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE September 8, 2008
Paoli/Thorndale (R5) - Thorndale to Temple University
Weekday Train #514 will originate from Thorndale
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE September 12, 2008
Paoli/Thorndale (R5) - Temple University to Thorndale
Add late trains from Center City to Paoli/Malvern to operate after 12 Midnight on Fridays & Saturdays
Norristown (R6) - 30th Street Station to Norristown
Add late trains from Elm Street to Center City to operate after 12 Midnight on Fridays & Saturdays
Chestnut Hill East/Trenton (R7) - Temple University to Trenton, NJ
Add late trains between Center City and Trenton to operate after 12 Midnight on Fridays; Add late trains between Center City and Trenton to operate after 12 Midnight on Saturdays
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE November 1, 2008
7 - Strawberry Mansion to Pier 70
Adjust Saturdays & Sunday service to every 20 minutes
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE November 3, 2008
8 - Olney Transportation Center to Frankford Transportation Center
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 8 minutes in the AM and to every 15 minutes in the PM
18 - Cedarbrook to Lawndale and Fox Chase
Improve Weekday AM Peak Hour service to every 7 minutes and Weekday PM Peak Hour service to every 10 minutes.
23 - Chestnut Hill to South Philadelphia
Improve Weekday AM Peak Hour service to every 6 minutes and PM Peak Hour service to every 7 minutes
31 - Overbrook Park to Center City
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 20 minutes in the AM and to every 15 minutes in the PM
53 - West Mt. Airy to Hunting Park
Increase Weekday seating capacity with 40 foot buses
56 - Tacony to Nicetown
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 7 minutes
57 - South Philadelphia to Fern Rock Transportation Center
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 5 minutes in the AM
58 - Somerton and Neshaminy Mall to Frankford Transportation Center
Improve Saturday service to every 12 minutes, and Sunday service to every 15 minutes between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
93 - Norristown Transportation Center to Pottstown
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 30 minutes
94 - Chestnut Hill to Montgomery Mall
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
104 - 69th Street Terminal to West Chester University
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 20 minutes from 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
108 - 69th Street Terminal to Philadelphia International Airport, Airport Business Center or UPS
Improve Weekday AM and PM Peak Hour service to every 4 minutes
109 - 69th Street Terminal to Chester Transportation Center
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 15 minutes from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
112 - 69th Street Terminal to Delaware County Community College
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to Delaware County Community College to every 20 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
124 - Center City to King of Prussia or Chesterbrook
Add two new Weekday AM peak westbound trips to improve service to every 20 minutes between 6:45 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
125 - Center City to King of Prussia or Valley Forge
Add Weekday trips at Mall closing time to improve service average to every 10 minutes between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
201 - Fort Washington Station (R5) to Fort Washington Office Center
Create 14 new Weekday roundtrips to connect with peak Lansdale-Doylestown trains
J - Bridesburg to Germantown
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 15 minutes in the PM
K - East Falls to Arrott Terminal
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to 8 minutes in the PM
R - Wissahickon Transportation Center to Frankford Transportation Center
Improve Weekday AM Peak Hour service to every 7 minutes and PM Peak Hour service to every 10 minutes
A lot of these changes are long overdue, though it would've been nice is Sunday service to West Chester on the 104 were improved. Most of those trips on Sunday afternoon - at least the inbound trips - tend to fill up before the bus reaches Newtown Square. But, hey, it's a start...
Here is a listing of changes to the SEPTA system by date:
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE August 25, 2008
96 - Norristown Transportation Center to Lansdale
Improve Weekday service to every 30 minutes
101 - 69th Street Terminal to Media
Improve Weekday, mid-day service to every 20 minutes
102 - 69th Street Terminal to Sharon Hill
Improve Weekday, mid-day service to every 20 minutes
105 - 69th Street Terminal to Ardmore
Establish Weekday evening service operating every 60 minutes
113 - 69th Street Terminal to Marcus Hook
Establish Weekday, mid-day service between 69th Street Terminal and Darby to operate every 15 minutes
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE August 30, 2008
105 - 69th Street Terminal to Ardmore
Establish Saturday evening service operating every 60 minutes
108 - 69th Street Terminal to Philadelphia International Airport, Airport Business Center or UPS
Extend all Weekend trips from 67th & Elmwood to Airport. Create 30 minute service in southwest Philadelphia
111 - 69th Street Terminal to Chadds Ford
Extend Saturday service from Granite Run Mall to Chadds Ford to operate every 60 minutes
113 - 69th Street Terminal to Marcus Hook
Improve Saturday evening service to every 30 minutes between 69th Street Terminal and Chester Transportation Center
120 - 69th Street Terminal to Cheyney University
Improve Saturday limited service (3 round trips) to operate every 2 hours
125 - Center City to King of Prussia or Valley Forge
Add six new roundtrips and improving service to every 20 minutes between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE August 31, 2008
28 - Tacony to Fern Rock Transportation Center
Adjust Sunday service to every 60 minutes (same as Saturdays)
37 - South Philadelphia to Eastwick and Chester
Provide Daily Owl service to Philadelphia International Airport and Harrah’s Casino from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
93 - Norristown Transportation Center to Pottstown
Extend two Sunday evening trips from Collegeville to Pottstown
96 - Norristown Transportation Center to Lansdale
Extend Sunday evening service from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
99 - Norristown Transportation Center to Phoenixville
Extend Sunday evening service from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.; service between Phoenixville and Royersford replaced by new Route 139
100 - 69th Street Terminal to Norristown
Improve Sunday service to every 20 minutes
105 - 69th Street Terminal to Ardmore
Establish Sunday evening service to operate every 60 minutes
111 - 69th Street Terminal to Chadds Ford
Establish Sunday service to operate every 60 minutes
113 - 69th Street Terminal to Marcus Hook
Improve Sunday service to every 30 minutes between 69th Street Terminal and Chester Transportation Center
120 - 69th Street Terminal to Cheyney University
Improve Sunday limited service (3 round trips) to every 2 hours
124 - Center City to King of Prussia or Chesterbrook
Add six new roundtrips and increase service to every 20 minutes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
125 - Center City to King of Prussia or Valley Forge
Add six new roundtrips and increase Sunday service to every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
129 - Oxford Valley Mall to Morrell Park
Establish Sunday service to operate every 60 minutes
139 - King of Prussia to Philadelphia Premium Outlets
New service replacing Phoenixville to Royersford section of Route 99; service will operate via PA 23 between King of Prussia and Phoenixville and will replace portions of the Greater Valley Forge TMA's "Suburban Link" serivce
R - Wissahickon Transportation Center to Frankford Transportation Center
On Sundays, operate every 15 minutes from start of service until 7 p.m. Operate every 20 minutes between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE September 2, 2008
8 - Olney Transportation Center to Frankford Transportation Center
Add Weekday, mid-day service to every 30 minutes
14 - Frankford Transportation Center to Neshaminy and Oxford Valley Malls
Switch Weekday service to all articulated buses
17 - South Philadelphia to Penn's Landing
Increase Weekday, Peak Hour service to every 3 minutes (AM/Northbound) and to every 4 minutes (PM/Southbound)
21 - 69th Street Terminal to Penn's Landing
Extended Weekday, Peak Hour frequency to every 8 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; all service to operate to 69th Street Terminal, with all service to 61-Pine to be covered by Route 42.
26 - Germantown to Olney and Frankford Transportation Center
Improve Weekday, Peak Hour service to every 8 minutes (AM/PM, Eastbound/Westbound); Operate Weekday evening service to Frankford Transportation Center every 30 minutes between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
31 - Overbrook Park to Center City
Improve Mid-Day Weekday service to 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
40 - West Park to Society Hill
Adjust Mid-Day Weekday service to every 15 minutes, and evenings to every 20 minutes
42 - Wycombe and West Philadelphia to Penn's Landing
Extended Weekday, Peak Hour frequency to every 8 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
47 - Olney to South Philadelphia
Extend Weekday, Peak Hour service to operate from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
70 - Torresdale and Tacony to Fern Rock Transportation Center
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to average every 3 minutes between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.; Improve Weekday evenings and Weekend service to every 20 minutes until 11 p.m.
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE September 6, 2008
124 - Center City to King of Prussia or Chesterbrook
Add two new Saturday roundtrips to increase service to every 20 minutes between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
K - East Falls to Arrott Terminal
Improve service on Saturdays to every 20 minutes between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
R - Wissahickon Transportation Center to Frankford Transportation Center
Improve service on Saturdays to every 20 minutes between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE September 8, 2008
Paoli/Thorndale (R5) - Thorndale to Temple University
Weekday Train #514 will originate from Thorndale
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE September 12, 2008
Paoli/Thorndale (R5) - Temple University to Thorndale
Add late trains from Center City to Paoli/Malvern to operate after 12 Midnight on Fridays & Saturdays
Norristown (R6) - 30th Street Station to Norristown
Add late trains from Elm Street to Center City to operate after 12 Midnight on Fridays & Saturdays
Chestnut Hill East/Trenton (R7) - Temple University to Trenton, NJ
Add late trains between Center City and Trenton to operate after 12 Midnight on Fridays; Add late trains between Center City and Trenton to operate after 12 Midnight on Saturdays
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE November 1, 2008
7 - Strawberry Mansion to Pier 70
Adjust Saturdays & Sunday service to every 20 minutes
SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE November 3, 2008
8 - Olney Transportation Center to Frankford Transportation Center
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 8 minutes in the AM and to every 15 minutes in the PM
18 - Cedarbrook to Lawndale and Fox Chase
Improve Weekday AM Peak Hour service to every 7 minutes and Weekday PM Peak Hour service to every 10 minutes.
23 - Chestnut Hill to South Philadelphia
Improve Weekday AM Peak Hour service to every 6 minutes and PM Peak Hour service to every 7 minutes
31 - Overbrook Park to Center City
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 20 minutes in the AM and to every 15 minutes in the PM
53 - West Mt. Airy to Hunting Park
Increase Weekday seating capacity with 40 foot buses
56 - Tacony to Nicetown
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 7 minutes
57 - South Philadelphia to Fern Rock Transportation Center
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 5 minutes in the AM
58 - Somerton and Neshaminy Mall to Frankford Transportation Center
Improve Saturday service to every 12 minutes, and Sunday service to every 15 minutes between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
93 - Norristown Transportation Center to Pottstown
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 30 minutes
94 - Chestnut Hill to Montgomery Mall
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
104 - 69th Street Terminal to West Chester University
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 20 minutes from 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
108 - 69th Street Terminal to Philadelphia International Airport, Airport Business Center or UPS
Improve Weekday AM and PM Peak Hour service to every 4 minutes
109 - 69th Street Terminal to Chester Transportation Center
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 15 minutes from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
112 - 69th Street Terminal to Delaware County Community College
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to Delaware County Community College to every 20 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
124 - Center City to King of Prussia or Chesterbrook
Add two new Weekday AM peak westbound trips to improve service to every 20 minutes between 6:45 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
125 - Center City to King of Prussia or Valley Forge
Add Weekday trips at Mall closing time to improve service average to every 10 minutes between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
201 - Fort Washington Station (R5) to Fort Washington Office Center
Create 14 new Weekday roundtrips to connect with peak Lansdale-Doylestown trains
J - Bridesburg to Germantown
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to every 15 minutes in the PM
K - East Falls to Arrott Terminal
Improve Weekday Peak Hour service to 8 minutes in the PM
R - Wissahickon Transportation Center to Frankford Transportation Center
Improve Weekday AM Peak Hour service to every 7 minutes and PM Peak Hour service to every 10 minutes
A lot of these changes are long overdue, though it would've been nice is Sunday service to West Chester on the 104 were improved. Most of those trips on Sunday afternoon - at least the inbound trips - tend to fill up before the bus reaches Newtown Square. But, hey, it's a start...
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
GOING OUT OF SERVICE...
You may have noticed that I haven't posted anything new on this blog in the past five months. Well, after years of commenting on the sad state of affairs of the Sorry Excuse of a Public Transit Agency that is SEPTA, I've pretty much become bored with it. To be perfectly candid, I neither have the time nor the energy to deal with SEPTA anymore. It seems that as long as "Fearless Leader" and the rest of the "Rotating Resumes" at 1234 Market are still running the show and ruining the system, what point is there for me to waste my time commenting? It seems to be the same shit that hits the fan at 1234 Market, whether it's a rogue "Transit Police" officer getting charged with domestic assault in Upper Darby or a railroad fiasco that management sweeps under the rug, it's apparent that even with the borderline excessive gift from the taxpayers of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (ie. the $150 million that SEPTA is getting) after years of whining like an immature teenager, SEPTA will continue to remain the same laughable joke of a system that it has been since Jack Leary left (and for all of the bad feelings from the unions over Leary's management style, at least there was some level of accountability and some semblance of change in the management culture).
Faye Moore can't say the same thing about her tenure at General Mis-Manger of SEPTA...
For starters, attempting to raise an issue with Moore is almost like trying to get an audience with the Pope. Moore refuses to even acknowlege anyone's complaints when confronted in person. Way to be accountable to the people who pay your salary, oh Fearless Leader...
The Market-Frankford El project has become a financial nightmare for SEPTA, yet Moore is unwilling to behave like a leader and speak out on the issues at hand; instead, her management style is to send out Minister of Mis-Information Richard Maloney, an individual with slightly less credibility than Emperor Street, to lie and lie some more about that SEPTA is - or isn't - doing for the people of West Philadelphia...
The last straw was the recent fare changes, in which:
Those who used to rely on transfers to connect with a second (or, as needed, a third) bus or subway line will now have to pay a full fare for the privilege of riding SEPTA. Unlike Delaware or Baltimore, the elimination of transfers is not in conjunction with any fare collection upgrades, which SEPTA has promised for years.
Meanwhile, the DayPass - which is valid for an unlimited number of rides on the transit system and a one-way trip on Regional Rail - is being replaced at the end of the month with a "Convenience Pass" which (1) has a limit of 8 rides for the entire day, (2) is not valid on Regional Rail, and (3) will likely not be available at sales outlets that failed to sell the DayPass in the first place. Convenience, my ass...
Regional Rail riders who are unfortunate enough not to have a ticket office available to them will now be forced to pay substantially higher fares, not only compared to the old system, but to riders who board at rail stations that do have ticket offices. Hence, riders at stations such as Exton and Downingtown are penalized for not having a ticket office or any other alternate location to purchace tickets, while riders at stations such as Doylestown and Levittown - which have ticket offices and are in the same fare zone as Downingtown - have the ability to purchase tickets in advance at lower rates.
Meanwhile, SEPTA management, hasn't even given a committment to increasing the number of sales outlets in the region where tokens and passes are sold. As it stands right now, the only sales outlets (exlcuding the R5 stations) in Chester County, for example are a lowly check-cashing place on Gay Street in West Chester (where they have indicated they will not sell the new "Convenience Pass"), another check cashing place on West Chester Pike in West Goshen, and a third outlet in Phoenixville (which, incidentially, is listed as being in Montgomery County). And that's it.
No token or pass sales outlets at any Acme or ShopRite in the county (despite the fact that SEPTA sells tokens and passes at Acme's and ShopRite's in other counties and in Philadelphia - there's a ShopRite on West Chester Pike which would make a great sales outlet; ditto the Acme on Paoli Pike)...
No token sales locations in the Exton area...
No plans for SEPTA to add token outlets in the area that I'm aware of.
SEPTA needs to do the following:
Add more sales outlets in Chester County; this is a no-brainer.
Mandate that all outlets that sell tokens must also sell, at a bare minimum, the Convenince Pass.
For Regional Rail stations without a ticket office, enter into contracts with nearby convenience stores or other outlets to sell Regional Rail tickets. The Turkey Hill next to the Downingtown station on Lancaster Avenue and the Wawa across from the Thorndale station on Lincoln Highway would be two perfect locations.
With that rant out of the way, this will likely be the last posting I make on the Frankford Terminal blog for the forseeable future. I simply don't have the time to deal with this anymore, and quite frankly, I don't even go into Philly that much anymore (which should at least add 10-15 years to my life, given the current state of affairs in the city).
For a blog that is updated more frequently than mine, check out "SEPTA Watch" - I haven't had a chance to fully digest the site, but from what little I've seen of it thus far, I encourage you to check them out:
http://septawatch.blogspot.com
Good luck, SEPTA riders. You're gonna need it...
Faye Moore can't say the same thing about her tenure at General Mis-Manger of SEPTA...
For starters, attempting to raise an issue with Moore is almost like trying to get an audience with the Pope. Moore refuses to even acknowlege anyone's complaints when confronted in person. Way to be accountable to the people who pay your salary, oh Fearless Leader...
The Market-Frankford El project has become a financial nightmare for SEPTA, yet Moore is unwilling to behave like a leader and speak out on the issues at hand; instead, her management style is to send out Minister of Mis-Information Richard Maloney, an individual with slightly less credibility than Emperor Street, to lie and lie some more about that SEPTA is - or isn't - doing for the people of West Philadelphia...
The last straw was the recent fare changes, in which:
Those who used to rely on transfers to connect with a second (or, as needed, a third) bus or subway line will now have to pay a full fare for the privilege of riding SEPTA. Unlike Delaware or Baltimore, the elimination of transfers is not in conjunction with any fare collection upgrades, which SEPTA has promised for years.
Meanwhile, the DayPass - which is valid for an unlimited number of rides on the transit system and a one-way trip on Regional Rail - is being replaced at the end of the month with a "Convenience Pass" which (1) has a limit of 8 rides for the entire day, (2) is not valid on Regional Rail, and (3) will likely not be available at sales outlets that failed to sell the DayPass in the first place. Convenience, my ass...
Regional Rail riders who are unfortunate enough not to have a ticket office available to them will now be forced to pay substantially higher fares, not only compared to the old system, but to riders who board at rail stations that do have ticket offices. Hence, riders at stations such as Exton and Downingtown are penalized for not having a ticket office or any other alternate location to purchace tickets, while riders at stations such as Doylestown and Levittown - which have ticket offices and are in the same fare zone as Downingtown - have the ability to purchase tickets in advance at lower rates.
Meanwhile, SEPTA management, hasn't even given a committment to increasing the number of sales outlets in the region where tokens and passes are sold. As it stands right now, the only sales outlets (exlcuding the R5 stations) in Chester County, for example are a lowly check-cashing place on Gay Street in West Chester (where they have indicated they will not sell the new "Convenience Pass"), another check cashing place on West Chester Pike in West Goshen, and a third outlet in Phoenixville (which, incidentially, is listed as being in Montgomery County). And that's it.
No token or pass sales outlets at any Acme or ShopRite in the county (despite the fact that SEPTA sells tokens and passes at Acme's and ShopRite's in other counties and in Philadelphia - there's a ShopRite on West Chester Pike which would make a great sales outlet; ditto the Acme on Paoli Pike)...
No token sales locations in the Exton area...
No plans for SEPTA to add token outlets in the area that I'm aware of.
SEPTA needs to do the following:
Add more sales outlets in Chester County; this is a no-brainer.
Mandate that all outlets that sell tokens must also sell, at a bare minimum, the Convenince Pass.
For Regional Rail stations without a ticket office, enter into contracts with nearby convenience stores or other outlets to sell Regional Rail tickets. The Turkey Hill next to the Downingtown station on Lancaster Avenue and the Wawa across from the Thorndale station on Lincoln Highway would be two perfect locations.
With that rant out of the way, this will likely be the last posting I make on the Frankford Terminal blog for the forseeable future. I simply don't have the time to deal with this anymore, and quite frankly, I don't even go into Philly that much anymore (which should at least add 10-15 years to my life, given the current state of affairs in the city).
For a blog that is updated more frequently than mine, check out "SEPTA Watch" - I haven't had a chance to fully digest the site, but from what little I've seen of it thus far, I encourage you to check them out:
http://septawatch.blogspot.com
Good luck, SEPTA riders. You're gonna need it...
Saturday, February 17, 2007
TWO NABS BY TRANSIT POLICE
For all the criticism of SEPTA's "Transit Police" over the years, it's actually refreshing to learn that there are officers out there who are capable of doing actual police work...
At around 18:35, Zone 1 officers were alerted of a disorderly female. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the 17-year-old female was reported as a runaway from the Deveraux Kanner Center in West Whiteland, Chester County. The subject, who has a history of violent behavior and running away, had been reported missing by West Whiteland Police at 17:00 and county police radio had advised the runaway was possibly heading towards 69 St Terminal or Philadelphia. Upon confirmation of the subject's identity, she was transported to PPD 12th District for processing.
While that was unfolding, Zone 6 and 7 officers responded to a report of an assault in progress at the Hunting Park subway station at around 19:15. Upon arrival, about 10-12 black male juveniles had reportedly fled the station. The victim refused medical attention and positively identified 5 of the actors, who were apprehended behind Marcus Foster Stadium at Hunting Park and Germantown.
Let's just say it's pretty rare when you can actually make one positive response about SEPTA's Transit Police considering the past track record. However, two good hits on one day should give the department a reason to be proud.
At around 18:35, Zone 1 officers were alerted of a disorderly female. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the 17-year-old female was reported as a runaway from the Deveraux Kanner Center in West Whiteland, Chester County. The subject, who has a history of violent behavior and running away, had been reported missing by West Whiteland Police at 17:00 and county police radio had advised the runaway was possibly heading towards 69 St Terminal or Philadelphia. Upon confirmation of the subject's identity, she was transported to PPD 12th District for processing.
While that was unfolding, Zone 6 and 7 officers responded to a report of an assault in progress at the Hunting Park subway station at around 19:15. Upon arrival, about 10-12 black male juveniles had reportedly fled the station. The victim refused medical attention and positively identified 5 of the actors, who were apprehended behind Marcus Foster Stadium at Hunting Park and Germantown.
Let's just say it's pretty rare when you can actually make one positive response about SEPTA's Transit Police considering the past track record. However, two good hits on one day should give the department a reason to be proud.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
NEW ROUTES PUSHED BACK FURTHER
For nearly a year, SEPTA has been pushing back the launch date of new bus routes that are part of the US 202/Section 300 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality strategy. Initially slated to start this past summer, it was pushed back to November. A report from SEPTA (scroll to page #9) indicated that the new routes would begin in Fall 2006.
Then, when the February timetables changed, there was no mention of the two new SEPTA services - the 205 between Paoli and Main Line Industrial Park in Charlestown Twp, and the 306 between Great Valley and Brandywine Town Center via West Chester.
Now, according to an e-newsletter from DART First State, the two new SEPTA routes are scheduled to start on March 12. Meanwhile:
* A new TMA of Chester County service between the Coatesville area and the Great Valley area, known as the "Bee-Line", will start operating on February 20 (naturally, since this is a TMACC/Krap(f)'s operation, no SEPTA fare instruments will be honored).
* The extension of an early evening post-peak R5 train from Malvern to Thorndale has already taken place.
The big $64,000 question has to be why has it taken SEPTA nearly a year to make mention of two new routes in Chester County while at the same time a slew of new services - some proposed two years ago (1, 20 and 50), others just coming right out of the blue (the 127 extension and the new 150 route) - serving the Philadelphia Park Race Track/Slots Parlor in Bucks County are virtually fast-tracked.
On a related note, Krap(f)'s will operate both the 205 and 306, and also on March 12 will take over operations of the 314 from Keystone...
Then, when the February timetables changed, there was no mention of the two new SEPTA services - the 205 between Paoli and Main Line Industrial Park in Charlestown Twp, and the 306 between Great Valley and Brandywine Town Center via West Chester.
Now, according to an e-newsletter from DART First State, the two new SEPTA routes are scheduled to start on March 12. Meanwhile:
* A new TMA of Chester County service between the Coatesville area and the Great Valley area, known as the "Bee-Line", will start operating on February 20 (naturally, since this is a TMACC/Krap(f)'s operation, no SEPTA fare instruments will be honored).
* The extension of an early evening post-peak R5 train from Malvern to Thorndale has already taken place.
The big $64,000 question has to be why has it taken SEPTA nearly a year to make mention of two new routes in Chester County while at the same time a slew of new services - some proposed two years ago (1, 20 and 50), others just coming right out of the blue (the 127 extension and the new 150 route) - serving the Philadelphia Park Race Track/Slots Parlor in Bucks County are virtually fast-tracked.
On a related note, Krap(f)'s will operate both the 205 and 306, and also on March 12 will take over operations of the 314 from Keystone...
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
NO ANNUAL SERVICE PLAN THIS YEAR...
In a letter that I recieved today from SEPTA, the Annual Service Plan process for this year will not take place. Projects planned for the FY2008 Annual Service Plan have been pushed back to FY 2009, depending on SEPTA's financial status by this time next year. Based on reading the state's new budget from Gov. Edward G. Rendell (D-Pa./Comcast SportsNet) in which he's planning to shift increase the sales tax while somehow claiming property tax relief (which almost seems like a big lie, considering Pennsylvania's municipalities get little to no benefit from any sales tax revenues) and other proposals to fund transit, which would not affect SEPTA until next March at the earliest, Philadelphians can prepare for a disasterous recipe of service cuts and fare hikes...
Monday, February 05, 2007
NEW MAPS FOR SALE
For the first time in a few years, SEPTA has re-issued the City and Suburban Transit maps. At a cost of $9.95 each, the maps contain detailed routing for all SEPTA routes, however there's one interesting note about these new maps...
They were initially put out for sale last month, yet the maps read "2006 Edition." Two thoughts here...
1. SEPTA should have waited until the Annual Service Plan routings were confirmed this past fall before putting new maps out to be published to get a more accurate reflection of the route system.
2. Instead of using a wall map format, perhaps SEPTA should consider using a map book format for future publication of all regional maps. It certainly would be more user-friendly as opposed, say, having a tourist carry a bulky fold-out map.
But, of course, that's why I'm just blogging instead of making lots of money working at 1234 Market...
They were initially put out for sale last month, yet the maps read "2006 Edition." Two thoughts here...
1. SEPTA should have waited until the Annual Service Plan routings were confirmed this past fall before putting new maps out to be published to get a more accurate reflection of the route system.
2. Instead of using a wall map format, perhaps SEPTA should consider using a map book format for future publication of all regional maps. It certainly would be more user-friendly as opposed, say, having a tourist carry a bulky fold-out map.
But, of course, that's why I'm just blogging instead of making lots of money working at 1234 Market...
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
NEW "GAMBLERS EXPRESS"
Among the new routes that SEPTA will start in two weeks are two routes that will offer direct service to the new slots hall at Philadelphia Park Racetrack/Casino in Bensalem Twp, Bucks County.
Route 50 will be separated from the existing Route 20 service, which would terminate at Franklin Mills as it always has, with late evening service extended to Philadelphia Park. Residential neighborhoods off of Academy Rd would be served by the existing 20 bus. The new 50 would operate from Bridge-Pratt to Franklin Mills before continuing on to Philadelphia Park.
That, on top of the existing 130 service and the new extension of the 1 bus from Northeast Philly to Philadelphia Park means that people in route to the slots houses that Fast Eddie built will have several options. That's more than can be said for patron's of the Harrah's race track/slots parlor in Chester City. But wait, there's more...
A new Route 150 will also be introduced, operating between Plymouth Meeting Mall and Philadelphia Park, using the existing deadhead routes between Frontier Depot and existing terminals in Lower Bucks County. A preview of the new schedule on the 150 that was posted on SEPTA's web site indicates a total of 6 weekday trips to Bensalem - departing at 04:15, 05:25, 06:15, 13:20, 14:20, and 16:10 - and 5 weekday trips to Plymouth Meeting - departing at 14:10, 16:10, 19:15, 21:45, and 23:18. On Saturdays, there will be four trips to Bensalem - 04:50, 07:40, 11:10, and 14:45 - with 6 trips to Plymouth Meeting - departing at 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:55, 19:55, and 23:18. Somehow, I doubt these trips will be valuable to anyone other than bus fans or whatever, but I guess there was enough political pressure from Bucks County to add as many routes as possible to the new casino.
And, on top of that, the 127 will also be extended from Neshaminy Mall to Philadelphia Park, a proposal that was never brought up during any of the service standards hearings. More than likely, the 127 extension will duplicate the 130's routing.
Route 50 will be separated from the existing Route 20 service, which would terminate at Franklin Mills as it always has, with late evening service extended to Philadelphia Park. Residential neighborhoods off of Academy Rd would be served by the existing 20 bus. The new 50 would operate from Bridge-Pratt to Franklin Mills before continuing on to Philadelphia Park.
That, on top of the existing 130 service and the new extension of the 1 bus from Northeast Philly to Philadelphia Park means that people in route to the slots houses that Fast Eddie built will have several options. That's more than can be said for patron's of the Harrah's race track/slots parlor in Chester City. But wait, there's more...
A new Route 150 will also be introduced, operating between Plymouth Meeting Mall and Philadelphia Park, using the existing deadhead routes between Frontier Depot and existing terminals in Lower Bucks County. A preview of the new schedule on the 150 that was posted on SEPTA's web site indicates a total of 6 weekday trips to Bensalem - departing at 04:15, 05:25, 06:15, 13:20, 14:20, and 16:10 - and 5 weekday trips to Plymouth Meeting - departing at 14:10, 16:10, 19:15, 21:45, and 23:18. On Saturdays, there will be four trips to Bensalem - 04:50, 07:40, 11:10, and 14:45 - with 6 trips to Plymouth Meeting - departing at 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:55, 19:55, and 23:18. Somehow, I doubt these trips will be valuable to anyone other than bus fans or whatever, but I guess there was enough political pressure from Bucks County to add as many routes as possible to the new casino.
And, on top of that, the 127 will also be extended from Neshaminy Mall to Philadelphia Park, a proposal that was never brought up during any of the service standards hearings. More than likely, the 127 extension will duplicate the 130's routing.
Monday, January 29, 2007
FORGET SOMETHING?
I doubt this will be placed in the archives of the greatest moments in SEPTA "Transit Police" history...
At around 15:50 today, two SORT officers had detained a couple of juveniles in the area of the Center City concourse near 15-Market. One of the actors, a student at Mercy Vo-Tech in Nicetown, had been arrested and handcuffed on a narcotics violation. Only one tiny little problem...
The actor fled from the police - still in handcuffs, mind you - and as of 18:00 had not been located. SEPTA "Transit Police" had initially went to an address on the 2100 block of Tasker in South Philadelphia, then to an address on the 200 block of Lecarre Dr in Upper Darby. The investigation is now focusing on the 5600 block of Addison in West Philadelphia.
Yup, just another day for our beloved "Transit Police"...
At around 15:50 today, two SORT officers had detained a couple of juveniles in the area of the Center City concourse near 15-Market. One of the actors, a student at Mercy Vo-Tech in Nicetown, had been arrested and handcuffed on a narcotics violation. Only one tiny little problem...
The actor fled from the police - still in handcuffs, mind you - and as of 18:00 had not been located. SEPTA "Transit Police" had initially went to an address on the 2100 block of Tasker in South Philadelphia, then to an address on the 200 block of Lecarre Dr in Upper Darby. The investigation is now focusing on the 5600 block of Addison in West Philadelphia.
Yup, just another day for our beloved "Transit Police"...
Friday, January 26, 2007
ONE MORE YEAR OF CRAPPY LEADERSHIP
At yesterday's rubber-stamp session of the SEPTA Board, General Manager Faye "Fearless Leader" Moore was given a 1-year contract extension. Financial terms were not disclosed (and given SEPTA's financial strain, why would they want to), however "Don Pasquale" told the Philadelphia Business Journal:
"With her strong financial and managerial background, Faye has been the right person, in the right place at the right time..."
The preceeding was straight out of the Karl Rove School of Spin. Let's just say that Fearless Leader's "managerial background" leaves a lot to be desired. It would be difficult to recall any SEPTA General Manager who has been as invisible from the public except for certain ceremonial events (such as the rededications of the Melrose Park Rail Station, Suburban Station, and Frankford Terminal - though she was conspicously absent when the West Chester Transportation Center was dedicated) or when begging Harrisburg for more money. And let's not forget the lack of communcation between SEPTA and several West Philadelphia neighborhoods regarding both the El reconstruction and the restoration of streetcar service on the 15. Of course, we could go on and on, but there isn't too much time for that today...
"The solution to the transportation funding crisis facing SEPTA will come to a head in Harrisburg this year, and we are happy to have Faye helping us with that effort."
Hopefully, this effort won't include the threats to jack fares up to unreasonable heights or the massive route eliminations that marred the last financial crisis. When SEPTA attempted a massive fare hike and threatened to eliminate several key bus and rail lines, it burned a lot of bridges in Harrisburg. It wouldn't be too shocking if SEPTA tried to make the same mistake again...
Meanwhile, the only other noteworthy item was that Krapf's will once again be operating the 314 line, taking over the contract from Keystone Quality Transport in mid-March. This, on top of the two new routes that will begin next month will make Krapf's the only third-party operator of fixed route services in the SEPTA system. Of course, the only third-party contracted routes in the suburbs are in Chester County, and of course, SEPTA had to choose an inferior provider for the Chester County services as opposed to operating the service in house...
"With her strong financial and managerial background, Faye has been the right person, in the right place at the right time..."
The preceeding was straight out of the Karl Rove School of Spin. Let's just say that Fearless Leader's "managerial background" leaves a lot to be desired. It would be difficult to recall any SEPTA General Manager who has been as invisible from the public except for certain ceremonial events (such as the rededications of the Melrose Park Rail Station, Suburban Station, and Frankford Terminal - though she was conspicously absent when the West Chester Transportation Center was dedicated) or when begging Harrisburg for more money. And let's not forget the lack of communcation between SEPTA and several West Philadelphia neighborhoods regarding both the El reconstruction and the restoration of streetcar service on the 15. Of course, we could go on and on, but there isn't too much time for that today...
"The solution to the transportation funding crisis facing SEPTA will come to a head in Harrisburg this year, and we are happy to have Faye helping us with that effort."
Hopefully, this effort won't include the threats to jack fares up to unreasonable heights or the massive route eliminations that marred the last financial crisis. When SEPTA attempted a massive fare hike and threatened to eliminate several key bus and rail lines, it burned a lot of bridges in Harrisburg. It wouldn't be too shocking if SEPTA tried to make the same mistake again...
Meanwhile, the only other noteworthy item was that Krapf's will once again be operating the 314 line, taking over the contract from Keystone Quality Transport in mid-March. This, on top of the two new routes that will begin next month will make Krapf's the only third-party operator of fixed route services in the SEPTA system. Of course, the only third-party contracted routes in the suburbs are in Chester County, and of course, SEPTA had to choose an inferior provider for the Chester County services as opposed to operating the service in house...
ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER ROBBERY
So far, this really has not been a good year to be a SEPTA cashier...
At around 14:30 on Thursday, SEPTA "Transit Police" reported that a black male approximately 5-ft, 6-in tall took $250.00 in cash from the cashier at the Girard El station, then fled on foot. In a similar incident last month, a subject robbed the cashier at the Margaret-Orthodox El station and left with $100.00 cash. It's highly doubtful that the two incidents are related.
In an unrelated incident on Thursday, SEPTA "Transit Police" repoted an assault at the 63 St El Station at around 21:00. The actor, a black male in his 20's, fled on foot southbound on 63 St. The victim was transported to HUP by PFD Medic 3.
And of course, nobody at SEPTA is willing to release its crime data to the public, but they have no problem filling in the Board about what they're doing to keep us safe - allegedly...
At around 14:30 on Thursday, SEPTA "Transit Police" reported that a black male approximately 5-ft, 6-in tall took $250.00 in cash from the cashier at the Girard El station, then fled on foot. In a similar incident last month, a subject robbed the cashier at the Margaret-Orthodox El station and left with $100.00 cash. It's highly doubtful that the two incidents are related.
In an unrelated incident on Thursday, SEPTA "Transit Police" repoted an assault at the 63 St El Station at around 21:00. The actor, a black male in his 20's, fled on foot southbound on 63 St. The victim was transported to HUP by PFD Medic 3.
And of course, nobody at SEPTA is willing to release its crime data to the public, but they have no problem filling in the Board about what they're doing to keep us safe - allegedly...
Sunday, January 21, 2007
POLICE IN NEED OF DRIVER RE-TRAINING?
For the second time in as many months, a SEPTA "Transit Police" officer was involved in an auto accident. Early Thursday morning, Unit K-5 (a K-9 unit) was involved in what appeared to be a minor traffic accident at 42 St/Baltimore Av in University City. It's probably fortunate that the damage was relatively minor, because it would've been the 2nd patrol car taken out of service that night. "Car 2" - which is assigned to the sector covering the El between 15 St and 46 St - broke down during the middle of its overnight shift. Last month, a "Transit Police" car was severely damaged in an MVA in Center City.
RUMBLE AT 69 ST
At around 18:00 yesterday, SEPTA "Transit Police" were alerted to a report of a fight on board a westbound El train that was pulling into 69 St Terminal. Police reported a white male in his 40s assaulted another passenger then fled in an unknown direction. The victim was transported to Delaware County Memorial Hospital.
EASIER? YEAH RIGHT...
So, SEPTA wants to capitalize on that goodwill generated by those strong ridership increases on the Regional Rail system. What better way to capitalize on said goodwill then by making it slightly more difficult to purchase tickets at Center City stations, Trenton, and the Airport.
Two weeks from today, the ticket vending machines from these stations will be removed and replaced with ... nothing. Granted, the ticket machines were obsolete about 10 years ago, but the inexcusable part about it is that SEPTA hasn't even bothered to consider purchasing replacement TVMs. After all, why be like NJ Transit, who has been using TVM's that (1) accept the newer generation $5, $10, and $20 bills, (2) print out reasonably sized tickets that are not prone to misplacement, (3) in some locations, allow for purchase of PATH tickets and even New York City MetroCards, and (4) accept credit/debit cards. Why bother being like many of the other mass transit agencies in the nation and upgrade the fare collection system?
Easy, because this is SEPTA, whose new motto might as well be "quality customer service through longer ticket lines".
Two weeks from today, the ticket vending machines from these stations will be removed and replaced with ... nothing. Granted, the ticket machines were obsolete about 10 years ago, but the inexcusable part about it is that SEPTA hasn't even bothered to consider purchasing replacement TVMs. After all, why be like NJ Transit, who has been using TVM's that (1) accept the newer generation $5, $10, and $20 bills, (2) print out reasonably sized tickets that are not prone to misplacement, (3) in some locations, allow for purchase of PATH tickets and even New York City MetroCards, and (4) accept credit/debit cards. Why bother being like many of the other mass transit agencies in the nation and upgrade the fare collection system?
Easy, because this is SEPTA, whose new motto might as well be "quality customer service through longer ticket lines".
Monday, January 15, 2007
ANOTHER SAFE DAY ON THE SYSTEM
At around 15:40 yesterday, SEPTA "Transit Police" and Philadelphia Fire Department were dispatched to the North Philadelphia Subway Station for the report of a suspicious package. Officers reported hearing a loud pop eminating from a trash can, resulting in the closure of the station for nearly an hour. PFD Haz-Mat responded to the scene to investigate the source of what was later identified over police radio as a "suspicious liquid". At least one SEPTA Police officer was transported to Temple University Hopsital after coming into contact with the liquid.
SEPTA ... A MODEL OF CONVENIENCE
As other transit agencies across the country are upgrading and modernizing their fare systems, SEPTA, in it's zeal to be convenient to it's customers, is taking the following passenger-friendly step to improve service to it's Regional Rail riders...
On January 27, SEPTA will remove all ticket vending machines at the Center City stations, the Airport, and Trenton.
Terriffic. Now, you can expect even longer lines at the ticket offices as SEPTA continues to improve it's system for the benefit of its customers. Granted, the machines are obsolete, but wouldn't it make sense to buy new TVM's before replacing the old ones?
Of course it would ... which is why SEPTA is doing the exact opposite...
On January 27, SEPTA will remove all ticket vending machines at the Center City stations, the Airport, and Trenton.
Terriffic. Now, you can expect even longer lines at the ticket offices as SEPTA continues to improve it's system for the benefit of its customers. Granted, the machines are obsolete, but wouldn't it make sense to buy new TVM's before replacing the old ones?
Of course it would ... which is why SEPTA is doing the exact opposite...
Friday, January 12, 2007
JUST UNREAL...
Apparently, people will do just about anything for a buck...
Someone from Delaware County has decided to put an active Zone 2 TrailPass on EBay. Rather than encourage this illegal activity, you're going to have to go to EBay (until Sunday) to see for yourself.
Assuming they're not too busy removing homeless from stations, perhaps this should draw the attention of the "Transit Police" - I doubt it, though...
Someone from Delaware County has decided to put an active Zone 2 TrailPass on EBay. Rather than encourage this illegal activity, you're going to have to go to EBay (until Sunday) to see for yourself.
Assuming they're not too busy removing homeless from stations, perhaps this should draw the attention of the "Transit Police" - I doubt it, though...
Friday, January 05, 2007
FIRST STABBING OF THE YEAR...
That didn't take too long...
At around 05:20, "Transit Police", UPenn Police, and PPD 18th District officers responded to what was initially reported as a robbery on the platform at University City Rail Station at South St/Convention Av. PPD later put a flash out on J-Band reporting that this was a founded stabbing committed by two black males, who fled on bike towards the area of 30 St. The victim was transported by UPenn Police to HUP with a laceration to the wrist.
Yup, another great way to start a "safe" day on the SEPTA system...
At around 05:20, "Transit Police", UPenn Police, and PPD 18th District officers responded to what was initially reported as a robbery on the platform at University City Rail Station at South St/Convention Av. PPD later put a flash out on J-Band reporting that this was a founded stabbing committed by two black males, who fled on bike towards the area of 30 St. The victim was transported by UPenn Police to HUP with a laceration to the wrist.
Yup, another great way to start a "safe" day on the SEPTA system...
Thursday, January 04, 2007
NOTHING HAS REALLY CHANGED...
At around 00:40 this morning, police were dispatched to a report of an assault on the subway at Fern Rock. Amazingly enough, SEPTA "Transit Police" were able to make an apprehension. This despite the responding officer not responding to dispatch for about a minute, necessitating an officer assist call. Despite some less than professional radio communications between the back-up unit and police radio, it's almost a miracle that an apprehension was made, considering the notoriously mediocre response time by "Transit Police." The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries; it was also reported that the actor had displayed a simulated firearm and also had previous aggravated assault charges.
Last Thursday, however, a cashier at the Margaret-Orthodox El station wasn't as lucky. At around 17:50, "Transit Police" and PPD were dispatched to the report of a strong arm robbery at the station. The actor fled on a westbound El train with approximately $100. A westbound train was halted at Tioga with several "Transit Police" and PPD officers sweeping the train with negative results.
On Tuesday, "Transit Police" reported that 3 black males wanted for an assault at the Girard Subway station fled on a southbound train. Again, no success in locating the actors.
And, of course, there was the typical "found device" on New Year's Day. At around 16:40, PPD was alerted to a possible device found in the area of the Tasker-Morris subway station, forcing the station to be closed. Broad Street Subway service, however, continued to operate, bypassing Tasker-Morris. The situation was placed under control at around 17:30.
Happy New Year, SEPTA customers...
Last Thursday, however, a cashier at the Margaret-Orthodox El station wasn't as lucky. At around 17:50, "Transit Police" and PPD were dispatched to the report of a strong arm robbery at the station. The actor fled on a westbound El train with approximately $100. A westbound train was halted at Tioga with several "Transit Police" and PPD officers sweeping the train with negative results.
On Tuesday, "Transit Police" reported that 3 black males wanted for an assault at the Girard Subway station fled on a southbound train. Again, no success in locating the actors.
And, of course, there was the typical "found device" on New Year's Day. At around 16:40, PPD was alerted to a possible device found in the area of the Tasker-Morris subway station, forcing the station to be closed. Broad Street Subway service, however, continued to operate, bypassing Tasker-Morris. The situation was placed under control at around 17:30.
Happy New Year, SEPTA customers...
Friday, December 29, 2006
BUSY DAY ON THE SYSTEM
It was a chaotic and hectic day across the system yesterday - a trolley derailment, a robbery, a foot chase, and a suspicious package made for a lot of work for SEPTA's "Transit Police".
* Shortly before 08:00, a westbound trolley derailed in the tunnel just east of 33 St Station, resulting in the evacuation of at least 5 trolleys. Suffice to say that the morning commute on the Subway-Surface lines was a mess.
* At the tail end of the PM Peak, a robbery was reported at the Margaret-Orthodox El Station. The incident occured at around 17:55, when a heavy set, light complected black male reportedly robbed his victim near the cashier's booth; it's unknown whether the victim was an employee or a passenger. Several police units responded to Tioga Station to search for the actor, but were unable to locate him (surprise, surprise). The actor fled with approximately $100.
* At around 20:00, Philadelphia PD officers were involved in a foot pursuit of a subject under unknown circumstances in the area of Broad and Lehigh. The actor fled onto the system at the North Philadelphia subway station and was reportedly apprehended at Susquehanna-Dauphin.
* At around 22:30, a report of a suspicious package at the North Terminal at 69 St came in to police. The situation was cleared a short time later, however details are very sketchy.
* At around 02:50 this morning, a SEPTA "Transit Police" car was involved in an accident at 11-Market. One officer was transported to Jefferson Hospital with non life threatening injuries (this was initially reported as a bus accident; we apologize for the incorrect report).
But, other than that, it was a safe and secure day on the SEPTA system...
* Shortly before 08:00, a westbound trolley derailed in the tunnel just east of 33 St Station, resulting in the evacuation of at least 5 trolleys. Suffice to say that the morning commute on the Subway-Surface lines was a mess.
* At the tail end of the PM Peak, a robbery was reported at the Margaret-Orthodox El Station. The incident occured at around 17:55, when a heavy set, light complected black male reportedly robbed his victim near the cashier's booth; it's unknown whether the victim was an employee or a passenger. Several police units responded to Tioga Station to search for the actor, but were unable to locate him (surprise, surprise). The actor fled with approximately $100.
* At around 20:00, Philadelphia PD officers were involved in a foot pursuit of a subject under unknown circumstances in the area of Broad and Lehigh. The actor fled onto the system at the North Philadelphia subway station and was reportedly apprehended at Susquehanna-Dauphin.
* At around 22:30, a report of a suspicious package at the North Terminal at 69 St came in to police. The situation was cleared a short time later, however details are very sketchy.
* At around 02:50 this morning, a SEPTA "Transit Police" car was involved in an accident at 11-Market. One officer was transported to Jefferson Hospital with non life threatening injuries (this was initially reported as a bus accident; we apologize for the incorrect report).
But, other than that, it was a safe and secure day on the SEPTA system...
Sunday, December 17, 2006
GAMBLERS EXPRESS READY TO ROLL ... SORT OF
Today marks the first day of SEPTA's service between the Franklin Mills Mall and Philadelphia Park racetrack in Bensalem Twp, Bucks County. The "Route 20 Shuttle" will operate hourly between Franklin Mills and Philadelphia Park via Knights Rd and PA 132 (Street Rd) to accomodate passengers en route to the new slots parlor at the venerable racetrack. (And yes, I'm sure many people out there find it ironic that Franklin Mills was, back in the day, the site of a harness racing track.) This shuttle will depart Franklin Mills hourly between 07:30 and 00:30 and from Philadelphia Park between 07:10 and 01:10 between now and February 10, 2007. The next day (February 11), SEPTA will introduce the new Route 50 between Bridge-Pratt and Philadelphia Park.
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