May 2, 2025

Philadelphia, PA – This week, YAC members Daniel Bhatti, Lucy Silverman, and Nile Ward joined members of the SEPTA Citizens Advisory Council to participate in a round table hosted by OTIS on Tuesday. Members Christian Szalwinski and Jakob Timme joined a second round table on Thursday. Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems is responsible for the planning and execution of Vision Zero. Both round tables focused on the next Vision Zero comprehensive plan.

Together, our members were sure to provide input on how to seamlessly combine aspects of Vision Zero with a more friendly transit experience in Philly. With topic discussion ranging from preferred methods of traffic calming to the necessity of speed cameras, the round table provided holistic insights into the state of the current Vision Zero operation.

Vision Zero is a city initiative with a stated goal of “eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Philly’s streets.” To meet this challenge requires input from a wide variety of stake holders and the YAC was happy to be able to participate in these talks.

The YAC would like to thank Senior Vision Zero Coordinator, Virginia Lynn and Dr. Tariem Burroughs for this exciting opportunity to help shape city policy in the new Vision Zero 5 year plan. With the release date of the new Strategic Plan set for the end of 2025, the YAC will be looking forward to seeing our input incorporated into this exciting project.

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