TWU Local 234 members vote to authorize a strike

The union consists of nearly 5,000 septa workers, which includes bus drivers, trolley operators, mechanics, and ticket takers
Contract doesn’t expire until Halloween
The workers are demanding higher pay to keep up with inflation, higher wages for newer employees, as well as safer working conditions

SEPTA passes being given out to 25,000 low income residents across Philadelphia by the end of the year

1,000 keycards have been mailed so far
Uses automatic enrollment instead of sign up or application process
90% of participants were randomly selected through a lottery based system using data on incomes
City has committed $62 million over the next two years, with it only being funded for 25,000 people and not the 400,000 who would be eligible

The city council committee on transportation and public utilities discussed along with SEPTA about the expansion on a virtual hearing
The extension could go from the existing Erie subway station on the Broad Street Line and go up a few stops on the Boulevard, going as far up as Neshaminy
The extension could serve a chunk of Philadelphia that previously hasn’t been served by high-capacity public transit
Council agreed that the line would be good for the city and potentially bring good union jobs

Open strollers are no longer restricted based on time of day
Still restricted based on crowding
Starting Mid-2024, new buses will have a designated open stroller parking spot, separate from priority seating areas
Open Strollers still not allowed on Trolleys based on constraints involving accessibility
The priority seating area must be vacated to allow a person with disability to board and ride.