The Wordsmith's Forge

Philadelphia's innovative transit program tackles transportation barriers by giving free rides to low-income residents

Getting to where you need to go is a matter of economic and social justice. Now, low-income Philadelphia residents are getting a boost.

In August, the city began a two-year Zero Fare pilot program, Next City reports, distributing 25,000 SEPTA Key cards (valued at $204 each) for unlimited free rides — and the majority of participants don't need to take any action to enroll.

"Transportation has been identified as a barrier for folks seeking employment, especially in Philadelphia, because of the high poverty rate," says Nicola Mammes, Zero Fare program director. Over 20% of Philadelphians live below the poverty line, and 50% of those households don't own a car.


This is a small step, but it's in the right direction.

What we really need is for society to recognize travel as a right, not a paid privilege. Start by making public transportation free for everyone who doesn't have a car -- children, seniors, the poor, etc. One thing that makes Terramagne's system work so well is that it's distributed. They have buses and commuter trains, but also, most apartment buildings have a bus and sometimes also a pickup truck for hauling heavy things like furniture. A community center, church, mall, etc. will have buses and vans for reaching its customer base. Clinics have cars and vans to pick up clients for appointments and take them home after. So there's much less risk of people getting shut out of society for travel reasons.

Plus of course, they have more walkable, bikeable neighborhoods. That includes plenty of benches for people who can't walk as far. Bus stops typically have a shelter and at least one bench. Racks for bicycles, skateboards, and other human-powered vehicles encourage those travel modes and connect them to others, like buses.