Transit organizing power is growing in Philadelphia in 2026! We’re excited to welcome four paid fellows supporting Transit Forward Philadelphia’s efforts to improve public transit within SEPTA’s service area. Representing North Philadelphia, Kensington, Southwest and Northeast Philadelphia; these communities are some of the most vulnerable in our region to potential transit cuts. We look forward to seeing how our fellows build power and amplify the voices of transit riders in pursuit of safer, reliable, accessible, affordable, and fully funded public transit for all.
Fellows will be active this year building support for transit funding in this year’s state budget, affordable transit in Philly through the Transit Access Fund, and local transit improvements in their neighborhoods.
Before you see them in action, read below to learn a bit about the 2026 Transit Fellows:
Senia Lopez
Pronouns: she/her
Building relationships within:
Northeast Philly
Favorite season:
Spring
What are you watching, listening to, or reading while you’re in transit?
So many things! Typically I’m listening to pop music to pump me up for my day (think Zara Larson, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, lots of Kpop) or I’m listening to a light-hearted comedy podcast on the ride home.
What is something you wish people knew about navigating your community/neighborhood with public transit or otherwise?
Navigating in NE Philly can be surprisingly challenging. Many parts are not walkable/very car focused. The majority of neighborhoods don’t have easy access to trains and the ones that do only have Regional Rail (more expensive).
Julie Rea
Pronouns: she/her
Building relationships within:
Kensington
Favorite season:
Fall
What are you watching, listening to, or reading while you’re in transit?
Books
What is something you wish people knew about navigating your community/neighborhood with public transit or otherwise?
It makes community life possible!
Xose Agbadan
Pronouns: she/her
Building relationships within:
North Philly
Favorite season:
Summer
What are you watching, listening to, or reading while you’re in transit?
listening – solange or fiona apple
reading – On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
watching – the rats
What is something you wish people knew about navigating your neighborhood using public transit or otherwise?
The BSL exists even during the Eagles Off-Season!
Allegra Dingle
Pronouns: they/he
Building relationships within:
Southwest Philly
Favorite Season:
Winter
What are you watching, listening to, or reading while you’re in transit?
I’m usually listening to R&B in transit, and working on a crochet project or daydreaming.
What is something you wish people knew about navigating your community/neighborhood with public transit or otherwise?
The 63 is the most-ridden bus as of 2025! It can take you pretty much from one end of West Philadelphia to the other.
Transit Forward Philadelphia is a coalition of 37 Philadelphia-based organizations advocating to improve public transit in Southeast Pennsylvania. Through organizing and meeting transit riders where they are, Transit Forward Philadelphia amplifies the voices of Philadelphians in support of a transit network that is safe, accessible, and sustainable. The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is a founding partner and managing organization of Transit Forward Philadelphia.