The indefinite suspension of the Chestnut Hill West Line has resulted in persistent overcrowding on the 23 bus, which was one of the busiest bus lines.
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Unfortunately, the pandemic has resulted in public transit being gutted across Germantown, Mount Airy, and Chestnut Hill. The indefinite suspension of the Chestnut Hill West Line has resulted in persistent overcrowding on the 23 bus, which was one of the busiest bus lines
pre-Covid. The reduction in service couldn’t come at a worse time — running fewer buses has resulted in crowding and unsafe conditions for riders and operators. By cutting frequency on the 23, SEPTA is telling us we have to choose between risking our lives on a crowded bus and getting where we’re going on time.
SEPTA says they’re cutting service because of decreased ridership, but when transit is less frequent, it becomes a less desirable option, resulting in further decreased ridership. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy and could easily become a death spiral for these crucial routes.
The Philly Transit Riders Union is a rider-centric grassroots group organizing for better, more equitable SEPTA service. We’re calling on SEPTA to increase the frequency of service of the 23 bus, to restore the Chestnut Hill West Regional Rail line, and to charge the transit fare price aboard Regional Rail lines in the City. So far, the SEPTA Board has ignored the rider testimony that we’ve provided showing dangerous overcrowding on the #23.
Strong, reliable public transit is an essential part of a just response to the climate crisis, and the entire region needs SEPTA to survive this pandemic. We need you to get involved and help us advocate for safer, more frequent public transit. Join the Philly Transit Riders Union email list at https://phillytru.org, text photos of overcrowding to 267-313-6060, and call your elected officials.
Sam Neubardt
Mt. Airy
