SEPTA has updates about its Trolley Modernization project, a multi-year effort to replace its entire fleet of trolleys with new, more accessible vehicles. This Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., SEPTA is hosting a virtual public Open House where riders can learn more about improvements planned for service and infrastructure along the Route 36 [T5] Trolley. This modernization effort includes introducing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant, low-floor vehicles to improve accessibility for riders of all abilities and the creation of new trolley stations equipped with passenger amenities.

Currently, the Trolley Modernization project is in its design phase, which is expected to be completed in 2026, with construction planned for 2027-2030.

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Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has recently signed a law allowing the installation of automated speed cameras along State Route 13 in West and North Philadelphia, which includes Baltimore Avenue.

“This program is a key part of making Philadelphia safe for all citizens, whether they are traveling by foot, bike, public transportation, or car,” Mayor Parker said. “…Automated Speed Cameras work and they help save lives.”

The bill unanimously passed City Council on December 5, 2024.

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SEPTA is planning to rename a popular West Philadelphia bus route. Beginning February 2025, the “G” bus will become Bus 63. The other lettered buses (H, J, L, R, and XH) will also change into numbers. Riders will get a chance to get used to the new name as SEPTA is planning to use both new numbers and old letters for a period of time.

SEPTA is planning these changes because it wants to use letters only for its Metro network – trains and some trolley routes: “L” for Market-Frankford Line, “B” for the Broadstreet Line, and “G” for Trolley Route 15. As for the other trolley routes, they are now numbered from 1 to 5 with “T” in front: T1 (Route 10), T2 (Route 34), T3 (Route 13), T4 (Route 11), and T5 (Route 36). These changes were introduced last year as part of SEPTA’s efforts to simplify its naming system, which is a part of the SEPTA Forward plan.

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Walnut Street bike lane near 44th St. (November, 2024). (Photo: West Philly Local)

There are some dangerously dirty bike lanes in West Philly. Philly Bike Action, a local organization that advocates for safe, protected bike lanes in the city, is hosting a Walnut Street bike lane clean up this Saturday, Jan. 18. Volunteer help is needed with trash pick-up and clearing weeds and debris. Materials will be provided, but you can bring your own if you wish. See the flyer below for more details.

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UPDATE (12/16/2024): The Streets Department are waiting for the property owners to make the necessary repairs, according to Ciani Beatty, Constituent Services Manager of the Office of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier. “Once the repairs are complete Streets will be able to repave the area. The condition of the ditch is safe with backfill and asphalt.”

UPDATE (12/12/2024): There is finally some progress. The pit has recently been filled in with asphalt. However, it hasn’t been smoothed so it’s still dangerous to use for bicyclists. See a new photo below. Thank you to Hanna and Julia (see more info below) for sending us updates on this issue.

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Mayor Cherelle Parker has signed into law the “Get Out The Bike Lane” bill recently approved by Philadelphia City Council. The bill, which prohibits motorists from stopping, standing, or parking in a bike lane, was introduced by City Council President Kenyatta Johnson two months after the death of 30-year-old Dr. Barbara Ann Friedes, a pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who was killed in a multi-vehicle crash while legally riding in a bike lane bear 18th and Spruce Streets back on July 17.

Going forward, folks will now be fined $125 in Center City and University City, and $75 in other neighborhoods, for stopping or standing in any bike lane in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority will be the lead agency enforcing the law. The new law isn’t going to be fully enforced until the city updates all the necessary traffic signs which should be completed by next spring.

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