Guest post written by Stephen Bronskill, Coalition Manager with Transit Forward Philadelphia
On Monday, December 15th, SEPTA celebrated the Wissahickon Transit Center opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the community. The station is a $50 million investment in transit infrastructure and also will improve trail access to the Schuylkill River Trail. The project is a major improvement for bus riders and provides access to northwest Philadelphia neighborhoods as well as some of the best green spaces in the region. The station is an example of what fully funding our transit infrastructure in the city and across Pennsylvania can achieve.
SEPTA General Manager, Scott Sauer and elected officials cutting the ribbon at the Wissahickon Transit Center
Transit Forward Philadelphia and Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia volunteer, Suzanne Hagner worked alongside SEPTA and community leaders for more than 6 years to help make the project possible. Suzanne started the traffic committee in her neighborhood and is an advocate for safer streets across the city. She worked with 5th Square to hold community forums to provide neighbors with information about the project and help shape the station around community needs.
Suzanne Hagner and Wendy Green-Harvey, Project Manager at SEPTA
Suzanne shared that during the COVID-19 pandemic, she saw essential workers and hospital workers in scrubs standing on a flooded street corner getting splashed by cars waiting for the bus. She shared that “so many bus routes across the city transfer at the Wissahickon Transit Center” and that a new station would give neighbors a dignified place to change buses. The new station has modern bathroom facilities, protection from the elements, and measures to protect against flooding.
A new bus bay at the Wissahickon Transit Center
Suzanne said that she has heard from her fellow bus riders who “look forward to making a bus transfer now because of the new station.” She said that the station is a “major plus for the neighborhood and means so much to people traveling to work, school, doctor’s appointments, and recreation opportunities.”
Looking ahead, a future connection on the Circuit Trails will directly link the Schuylkill River Trail to the Wissahickon Transit Center, known as the Wissahickon Gateway. The Wissahickon Gateway Trail will provide an off-road, multi-use trail and new bike and pedestrian only bridge. This will close a gap in the Schuylkill River Trail that currently forces trail users through a narrow shoulder and sidewalk along Ridge Avenue. In addition to improving traffic safety and accessibility this trail will comfortably connect trail and transit users to Main Street Manayunk’s many businesses and community resources. The latest developments for this project include the state providing nearly $950,000 to the City’s Streets Department to obtain a right-of-way so that it can complete this critical gap. Stay tuned for updates on the status of this connector #OnTheCircuit!
**Safe streets are a right, not a privilege. We’re creating a stronger community WITH YOU! Investing in our year-round advocacy and education work makes Greater Philadelphia a safer and more fun place to ride—right now, the Coalition is asking 750 folks to join or renew their support for another year to continue that work. More info here. **