Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Partnered with the Free Library of Philadelphia and Dunkin' Donuts to offer throughout the month of April what is believed to be the nation's first virtual library at a train station. Riders can access books and podcasts by scanning QR codes or logging on to the Free Library's website.

The agency and HNTB Corp. were recognized for their work on the area along the Norristown High Speed Line between Roberts Road and Garrett Hill Stations that shifted as a result of the Philadelphia region being deluged with almost 30 inches of rain during a 45-day period in August and September 2011.

In addition to having the second largest hybrid-electric bus fleet in the U.S., SEPTA achieved a 19.7% reduction in water usage per passenger miles traveled (PMT); a 10.0% reduction in fuel use per PMT; a 4.0% reduction in electricity use per PMT; and 3.6% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per PMT.

Under the agreement, each of the 210 members of the Fraternal Order of Transit Police will receive a $1,250 bonus immediately and a 12% increase in pay over four years.

The primary cause of the nine-day strike was a 35-cent-an-hour difference in "certification" pay between the union's demand and SEPTA's offer. Transit police were seeking the pay as a way of getting a slight additional increase beyond the pattern set by the Transport Workers Union contract.

Entered its eighth day. Striking police claimed that crimes have increased at SEPTA stations and vehicles during the strike. Agency officials countered that most of those crimes happened at nearby stores.

Reportedly was only given 20 minutes notice of the planned walkout, which was spurred by the inability to come to an agreement over pensions.

Two recent bus driver shootings have prompted the local Transit Workers Union to request Mayor Michael A. Nutter form a task force to find ways to better protest bus operators and other transit employees.

Agency and drivers’ union are calling for special legal protection for transit workers after a bus driver was shot and wounded. The recent incident was the 46th assault on a SEPTA employee this year.

Haverford Township’s Department of Emergency Services will use the bus to help cool and monitor firefighters’ vital signs to prevent exhaustion and heart problems.