With a new general manager dedicated to improving customer service, $150 million in state funding and concrete plans to modernize fare-collection systems, SEPTA could be in the middle of a renaissance.
Unfortunately, Penn doesn't seem to be on board.
So far, the only discounted SEPTA pass that the University offers to students costs over $280 per semester. Known as the PennPass, the program requires a student to take over 100 trips on SEPTA to come out ahead. For most undergrads, it simply isn't worth it.
No wonder only 339 students bought Penn-Passes during the Spring 2007 semester.
That's a shame. Because in a recent survey by the Undergraduate Assembly, over 60 percent of students said they'd be interested in buying a $70 transit pass - if Penn offered it.
University officials need to work with SEPTA to provide students with more affordable options.
Instead of asking students to shell out hundreds of dollars for semester-long passes, Penn could offer weekly or monthly transit passes for lower prices. The move would undoubtedly encourage students to use mass transit options more frequently.
And SEPTA could always use more riders - especially since this would translate into more money for the agency to fund much-needed improvements.
In its partnership with PhillyCarShare, Penn demonstrated its resolve to improve transportation in the city. It's time for the University to make that same commitment to SEPTA.
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