Hey Man, Can't We All Just Get Along?
Seriously, Guys...Rashomon?!?!
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Gary Gulman at Helium Comedy Club
Virgin Vacations just released their list of the 11 Top Underground Transit Systems in the World, complete with photos and video of their picks, and, to nobody's surprise, Philadelphia didn't make the list.
Why? Well, from what we can tell reading the list, SEPTA trains aren't quiet enough, comfortable enough, efficient enough, culturally sensitive enough, neat enough, fast enough, or cheap enough. SEPTA stations aren't pretty enough, safe enough, convenient enough, new enough, or (surprise!) clean enough. (Also, we don't know of any Elvis impersonators who frequent the El.)
We here at Phillyist truly love the city we live in (because if we didn't, we'd move, natch), but we will admit to anyone who asks that SEPTA isn't all that great, by any stretch of the imagination. And it looks like it will only get more expensive, without any actual improvements to the system. And so we want to know: how would you like to see SEPTA improve? What might eventually get us on one of those cool lists? And would we benefit from heated seats like they've got in Tokyo? Leave us a comment and let us know your thoughts!
Image via WHYY.
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I'm glad you posted this question to the Philly public b/c I've been ranting about SEPTA a lot recently to my bf. He uses it everyday, and I use it on occasion. Here are my thoughts on how SEPTA could make it much better...and possibly something people would actually want to use.
1. Put token machines at every station! Imagine THAT!
2. Put change machines at every station! Novel idea. Or better yet, have their station attendants actually give change! I once had a SEPTA employee charge me $5 for a fare. I know...my bad, right? But it was my first time and I was running seriously late. I'm still miffed about that one b/c you just know that woman got some extra cash in her pocket.
3. Have someone come and clean the stations on a regular basis so they don't CONSTANTLY smell like pee. I mean SERIOUSLY!
4. On the weekends, the train should run later. Like up to 3am.
5. Add additional stops. If it were more convenient, then more people would take it. I know I certainly would.
Who cares about loud trains or even smelly stations when it isn't convenient? If the city could work on "big picture" issues like this, then maybe Philly could tackle the ridiculous business tax structure next. Or even consider lowering city wage taxes and thereby encouraging more people to move here...which increases their tax base!
Nah...all that makes too much sense. Token machines at every SEPTA stop? Let's just go back to the Dark Ages.
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