Our holiday treat for you is a short and sweet KTFC newsletter, along with best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year.
Transportation Issue Update
- Think the Philly region is a commuter’s nightmare? It’s not Pennsylvania’s worst – that distinction goes to East Stroudsburg, Monroe County, about two hours north, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- PennDOT and local officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Greensburg for the latest of 29 compressed natural gas fueling stations that have been completed or are planned across Pennsylvania. The Westmorland County Transit Authority is in the process of converting 25 diesel buses and 16 paratransit buses to CNG vehicles.
- In other public transportation news, SEPTA says it will stop selling tokens at subway stations next month, although they will still be available at major SEPTA sale offices, regional rail stations and at more than 200 third-party retailers until further notice.
- The Erie region will receive $32 million from the state for the Bayfront Parkway and 19 other projects. State officials praised Erie for developing a consensus on the transportation and economic development projects.
- Erie will become the 21st county to avail itself of the opportunity to implement an additional fee of $5 for vehicle registrations. The money will be used for local transportation projects.
- The Senate Transportation Committee approved a measure that would toughen the penalties for DUI offenses, particularly for repeat offenders. The House is expected to take up the measure next year.
- Philly region bicyclists will have safer, more accessible routes at their disposal, thanks to the completion of three new bike lane projects in suburban areas.