April 1, 2025

Philadelphia, PA – As SEPTA and OTIS continue to evaluate different alternatives for bus lanes along Erie Avenue in North Philly, YAC members Greyson Forster (Chair of SEPTA Affairs Committee) and Daniel Bhatti penned an open letter in support of median bus lanes for the transit corridor. Route 56, which runs along Erie Ave connecting the B to multiple neighborhoods and bus routes in North Philly, arrives on time less than 70% of the time. It’s clear that redical change is needed to better serve the residents of this vital corridor.

Citing their personal experience of being trapped in traffic on Market Street and Chesnut Street, the two YAC members take issue with curbside bus lanes. The best way to ensure that these lanes are are not rendered ineffective is to ensure that median bus lanes are included in the alternatives of this study.

Their letter states that Erie Ave has a “long history of center-running transit, evidenced by the trolley tracks still visible today.” A median bus lane could utilize the existing right-of-way and infrastructure already in place. Peer agencies across the country are realizing that curbside bus lanes are not a ‘transit-first’ approach to fixing slow bus speeds.

The YAC stands firm in its stance that median bus lanes are the best way foreward for Erie Avenue. The summary report for the SEPTA/OTIS transit study is slated to be published in fall of 2025. Until then, that YAC will monitor the progress of this study carefully. Greyson and Daniel thank SEPTA for being so willing to meet and receive the YAC’s feedback on this exciting project.

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