The CHCA is proud to be part of Northwest Philadelphia’s Save the Train and Step Up for SEPTA coalition. We, along with other organizations and institutions here in Chestnut Hill, have been part of the advocacy efforts to make sure that both the regional rail and bus lines that serve the northwest corridor stay open and function at an optimal level. 

We greatly appreciate SEPTA’s investment of capital dollars in the Chestnut Hill East bridge repair and the renovation of the Chestnut Hill East Station, making it safer and more accessible. This line is used by communities throughout the Northwest and is an important conduit to Center City.

Having an improved CH East line does not negate the need to keep the Chestnut Hill West line open. While commuters here at the end of the line may be able to access both East and West stations, the majority of people along the Chestnut Hill West line do not have easy or even practical access to stations on the east side. Many of the people who live and work in the communities that border the 14 stations on the CH West line are dependent on the train to get to school and to work and have no viable way to travel to other stations located farther away.

Currently, Chestnut Hill, along with other communities in Northwest Philadelphia, is directly served by multiple transit lines run by SEPTA, mainly the 23 bus line and the Chestnut Hill East and West Regional Rail lines, with additional service provided by various other bus lines. Our neighborhood offers the best of urban living: walkability for daily life, with easy access to Philadelphia’s Center City for commuters, students, seniors, and anyone wishing to tap into Philadelphia’s many resources without the inconvenience, climate impact, and expense of driving. Without these public transit options, the adverse impact to thousands of commuters,  institutions, and small businesses here in Chestnut Hill is almost immeasurable. 

Throughout Pennsylvania’s urban areas there is a reported housing shortage that is partially being addressed by increasing density close to public transit hubs. We are seeing that kind of development here in Chestnut Hill.  Our state government can be part of solving the housing crisis, reducing air pollution and gridlocked roads, while saving jobs throughout the commonwealth by agreeing to fully fund public transportation.

Throughout my more than 20 years here in Philadelphia, I have used public transit to commute to and from several jobs, to show off the city to family and visitors, to attend Super Bowl and World Series parades, to attend concerts and special events, even to travel to a protest march or two! Without the access provided by affordable and accessible public transportation, many people in our neighborhoods would not experience all our city has to offer.  

I can only repeat what others have said: the need for sustainable funding is not just a Chestnut Hill or Northwest Philly problem, or even just a Philadelphia problem. This is a statewide problem that needs to be addressed by our commonwealth now by providing sustainable funding once and for all. 

The state budget deadline is June 30. Sustainable funding for SEPTA is still not in place. Here are websites that have great information about how you can help: fundseptanow.com, savethetrain.org, and transitforallpa.org.

Anne McNiff is executive director of the Chestnut Hill Community Association. She delivered these remarks at the June 11, 2025, press event held at the Chestnut Hill East Station to launch the bridge and station infrastructure work that will occur over the next 11 weeks.