News

New transit hub, schools turning into housing, & more

West Philadelphia is one of the most easily traveled areas of the city. People can easily access the neighborhood from Center City via cabs, the Market-Frankford Line (also called “the el” for its elevated section) and one of the nation’s few remaining streetcar networks. The trolleys run from City Hall down Market Street and through University City, with lines servicing the neighborhood’s three main corridors of Lancaster, Baltimore and Woodland Avenues. West Philly also boasts some of the most bicycle-friendly streets in the city, with a network of roughly 25 miles of bike lanes.

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

SEPTA opens new Wissahickon transit hub. The project began in 2023 and is expected to serve 5,000 bus riders a day. The new center includes weather-protected waiting areas, better lighting, and improved crosswalks. SEPTA officials say that the new hub will provide better access to work and school, and improve commutes. The Philadelphia Inquirer

School District considers transferring vacant building to H.O.M.E. plan. Unused school buildings may be considered for affordable housing renovations under Mayor Parker’s H.O.M.E. plan. The School District of Philadelphia’s board approved a resolution for the district to negotiate with the city. Chalkbeat

New business to replace refinery in Southwest Philadelphia. DrinkPAK, a beverage-producing facility, is the first business to move into the site of the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions oil refinery in the Bellwether District. The business signed a community benefits agreement with 16 community groups. Philly Thrive, a group of activists and residents, did not sign, saying that it could bring unhealthy air pollution to the area. WHYY

Petition to give priority to diverted trolley riders. West Philly Trolleys have been diverted to 40th and Market since November. As a result, they are often delayed due to traffic in University City. This petition calls on the City and SEPTA to prioritize trolley access, divert traffic, and provide shelter for waiting riders.

Cover photo: West Philadelphia trolley, credit: J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Angie Bacha

Angie Bacha (she/her) is a Philadelphia-based solutions journalist and recent Erasmus Mundus Master's in Journalism, Media and Globalisation student in Aarhus, Denmark. Previously, she worked as a student journalist at Community College of Philadelphia and Editorial Intern at Resolve Philly. Some other hats she has worn: Human Rights and Theatre Studies graduate; teaching artist; carpenter; AmeriCorps volunteer; and rock climbing gym shift supervisor.