Initiatives
Bicycles and Micromobility
SEPTA recently released a Micromobility Playbook under SEPTA Forward as an update to the Cycle Transit Plan of 2015. The goal of the playbook was to increase ridership by better accommodating our riders that use micromobility including bicycles, scooters, and other wheeled conveyances, while addressing access, integration, storage, security and safety on SEPTA property and vehicles.
The playbook follows the mission and spirit of SEPTA Forward – to create a seamless and integrated transit network, improve access to transit, emphasize sustainability and provide accessibility for all. The recommendations within the playbook reflect this.
Features
This playbook is organized following the path a person would take to reach their destination using transit, with recommendations that affect SEPTA:
- Systemwide
- Vehicles and Services
- Stations
- Connections
- Streets and Trails
Micromobility – noun. Any small, low-speed, human- or electric powered transportation device, including bicycles, scooters, electric-assist bicycles, electric scooters, (e-scooters), and other small, lightweight, wheeled conveyances.
Micromobility makes transit more useful to more people by extending its reach. People who cannot access a transit route within walking distance can use micromobility to get there. Even people who are on a transit route can use micromobility to reach a more frequent bus route or a rail station.
Thus, micromobility is an essential part of SEPTA’s Lifestyle Network. By seamlessly accommodating micromobility into transit, we can support an equitable transportation network by offering a cost-effective transportation option, improved mobility, environmental benefits, health benefits, and social connectivity. More and better alternatives to driving cars means fewer cars on the road, less harmful emissions, and better air quality.
For current policies regarding bringing your bike, scooter, or other micromobility device on SEPTA, visit our Bike and Ride page.
Climate
The benefits of Public Transporation go farther than the end of the line.
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which has changed the earth’s climate. Temperatures are rising world-wide due to greenhouse gases trapping more heat in the atmosphere.
Transportation is one of the top ten causes of global warming contributing to the climate crisis. Vehicles like cars, planes, and boats which rely on fossil fuels to run release carbon and other types of pollutants into the atmosphere.
Public transportation inherently benefits the environment because it reduces the number of people driving single-occupancy vehicles. Buses, subways, and trolleys are almost always better than driving a car because the more people traveling in a vehicle, the smaller the carbon footprint of each person. By increasing ridership on public transportation, more fuel is conserved, traffic congestion decreases, air pollution decreases, and the region’s carbon footprint as while is reduced. We all have a stake in expanding public transportation use. Learn More.
Renewable Energy
Offsite Solar Farms
SEPTA formed a partnership with Lightsource BP to generate solar energy through a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA). The project is divided into two parts, Elk Hill 1 and Elk Hill 2, which feed into the regional electric grid. Elk Hill 2 was first to go online in February 2021, with Elk Hill 1 following late 2022. The final capacity of the solar farm is estimated to be 42MW – about 15-20% of SEPTA’s annual electricity demand. Considering SEPTA’s regional rail, trolleys, and subway lines (NHSL/MFL/BSL) run on electricity – this is a significant contributor to SEPTA’s energy needs! Learn More.
Rooftop Solar Installations
Solar panels top three SEPTA facilities: the Berridge Bus Maintenance shop, the Fern Rock Rail Shop, and the Callowhill Bus Maintenance facility. These solar installations were established as part of a power purchase agreement and installed between 2020 and 2021. The installations amount to 2.3MW of power that directly feed into the facilities they cover. SEPTA will prioritize renewable energy and energy efficiency at all new and retrofitted facilities. Learn More.
Environmental and Sustainability Management System (ESMS)
A key component of SEPTA’s Sustainability Program implementation strategy focuses on management systems.
The Environmental and Sustainability Management System (ESMS) allows SEPTA to make the most of funding by making institutional processes more efficient. The ISO 14001 Standard is a toolbox of management techniques to minimize environmental impacts through a method of continual improvement using a “plan-do-check-act” process to realize certain efficiencies.
SEPTA’s participation in the FTA’s ESMS training and assistance program reflects its commitment to its sustainability program.
Plan
Establish the objectives, programs & processes to deliver results in accordance with the environmental policy
Do
Implement the programs and processes
Check
Monitor and measure processes against policy, objectives, targets, and requirements, and report the results
Act
Take actions to continually improve programmatic performance towards objectives and targets
SEPTA currently has two maintenance locations certified to the ISO 14001 international standard for environmental management systems:
Questions?
Want to leave a comment or speak to the team? Email us at sustainability@septa.org or call us at (888) 281-1999.
Vendors or partners interested in offering solutions to SEPTA Sustainability should fill out this form.
