My New Subway Line

SEPTA (the South Eastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority) and PATCO (the Port Authority Transit Corporation that operates a Philly-NJ line) are exploring a partnership. That's right, an unprecedented collaboration seeks to combine PATCO's planning and financial strengths with SEPTA's operational strengths (what operational strengths? Well, according to the Inquirer, they managed to operate over 1,800 miles of transportation routes while quite underfunded...if you knew what their budget was like, you'd consider their operation quite impressive too). Though there are currently a few plans, the proposed joint-project would construct a trolley or light-rail line that ran up and down the Philadelphia waterfront (on the Delaware river), and could even extend as far as west as City Hall (which I would love to see, and which would improve access since Philadelphia's 3 other major subway/trolley lines all run through that station). Though 8 to 10 years away, and dependent on some federal funding, it's a good project for the city, and a good sign that local authorities are working together to benefit me, the consumer (and probably some other people as well).

Though the case for the new line is that it will save residents time and money, I think it will actually do far more than expedite travel that would have happened anyway. I believe this project, if completed and connected to City Hall, would encourage Center City residents to spread out more, visit locations up and down the waterfront. And by the same token, it will make it easier for those living up and down the waterfront to enjoy a night on the town in Center City. I think it will create economic activity for the city. And though this may be a pipe dream, I also believe that it may help the city attract businesses and retain college graduates. Convenient public transportation makes the city more attractive to young people--and SEPTA buses just can't compete with Boston's T, NY's MTA or DC's Metro.

For all these reasons and more, I've decided that this blog will make it's second endorsement ever: this project. Nobody Doesn't Like Molten Boron hereby supports, encourages, and endorses the construction of a light rail or trolley line up and down Philly's waterfront, especially if it connects to the City Hall station. This could be a great project for the city and region.