SEPTA pauses cuts, Mini-grants for walkable neighborhoods, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

Announcing the SustainPHL nominees. Green Philly is hosting our 8th annual SustainPHL Awards on October 23, 2025. Check out the nominees here, and get your tickets to join us for the evening here.

SEPTA cuts paused. A court ruling late last week is temporarily halting SEPTA’s service cuts. The lawsuit, filed by the Bochetto & Lentz law firm, argued that cuts disproportionately impact marginalized groups and that SEPTA had manipulated riders to gain financial help from Harrisburg. The Philadelphia Inquirer

Mini-grants for walkable neighborhoods. Feet First Philly, funded by the Clean Air Council, is offering small grants to community groups for improving the walkability and accessibility of public space. Grants in the past have covered projects like street murals, benches, and sidewalk repairs. WHYY

Bike advocate killed in hit and run. On Tuesday morning, Harry Fenton was killed by speeding vehicles in West Fairmount Park while cycling. Fenton was reportedly an advocate for safer cycling infrastructure, as well as an active member of Philly Bike Action, according to a statement released by Philly Bike Action. PBA is hosting a ride in Fenton’s remembrance on Friday, September 5 at 5:45 pm by the Art Museum. 

The Schuylkill Banks as a place of public activity and connection. In an op-ed, Inquirer reporter Peter Dobrin writes about the benefits and history of accessing the Schuylkill Banks. Dobrin writes that the Banks is a place of connection, where “some evenings the entire city seems to be out, setting up a magic-hour tableau.” The Philadelphia Inquirer

Study on solar-powered schools predicts positive impacts. PennEnvironment released a study on the potential impact of solar power in Pennsylvania schools. The analysis shows that Pennsylvania school rooftops are suitable for solar, which could save energy, money, and air quality.

Cover photo: Cyclist, Claudia Salvato Photography