Philadelphia Will Do  
 

Jan

26

SEPTA’s Stimulus Wishes

The Philadelphia Business Journal recently detailed the project SEPTA hopes to tackle with the federal stimulus “New Deal II” package that will either save the economy or end the United States as we know it. Maybe both!

Here’s what SEPTA’s looking to do with some of the $225-$250 million it could be receiving from the feds:

  • Renovations of Girard and Spring Garden Broad Street El stops ($28 mil)
  • Renovation of Croydon R7 stop in suburbs
  • Track replacement at Fern Rock ($14 mil)
  • Roof replacement at Woodland stop ($5 mil)

There’s already renovations at the Allens Lane costing $8 mil, so if we assume that’s what Croydon will cost there is still a ton of money possibly available. The bulletpointed list above is just of projects already in the pipeline; the PBJ notes SEPTA recently increased funding to several engineering firms.

One hopes if we do have this stimulus, SEPTA will suckle the government teat until it is completely dry. Maybe one day the Fairmount station won’t turn into a waterfall every time it rains. Or, you know, there will be working token machines at every stop. Aw, okay, that last one is a bit of a pipe dream.

Update: Other programs, via the U.S. Conference of Mayors: 40 hybrid buses (diesel/electric), new vehicle washers at Fern Rock, new ventilation systems at two bus garages.
 
dmac | 1:35 PM | 7 Comments
SEPTA, SEPTA Renovations, Stimulus
 
  1. R. M. Says: Jan 26 4:12 PM

    I call bullshit. In New York, even with inflated construction prices they could do about four subway stations for what they are claiming it would take to do two. No doubt those figures include kickbacks and pocketing.

  2. Cotton Says: Jan 26 5:37 PM

    if they used this money to keep the regional rail operating past 11 PM, I’d be completely for it.

  3. Dan Says: Jan 26 11:04 PM

    If they used the money to clean the buses and trains more than once a decade I’d be for it.

  4. ted tom jim bob Says: Jan 27 6:00 AM

    I’d rather have 10 more substandard stations and more frequent service than a bloated renovation station.

  5. Larry West Says: Jan 27 7:40 AM

    You know what I would love to see happen? Re-open the old stop on the Broad Street Ridge/Spur Line that was closed down. Keep all the graffiti, though; I actually think it looks awesome. Clean up the ground, but keep the art on the walls. Re-open it… I think that would be pretty cool.

  6. dmac Says: Jan 27 5:29 PM

    R.M.: Hmm, I’ll look into it.

    Larry: PATCO should re-open Franklin Square, if only because it’s so creepy to go through when it’s closed. Damn the wasted tax dollars!

  7. Larry West Says: Jan 28 10:19 AM

    Oh, so that’s an old PATCO station! Wow.

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