Transit advocates press Council for permanent zero‑fare supports, student pass expansion and more Vision Zero funding

Transit advocates and safety organizations pressed council to lock in and expand funding for zero fares, student pass access and Vision Zero capital work.

Steven Bronkill of Transit Forward Philadelphia recalled last year’s statewide budget crisis and urged council to approve the mayor’s proposed zero‑fare investment and to create a permanent transit access fund, saying the program reaches tens of thousands of low‑income riders. Multiple speakers asked that student fares work on weekends and during summer programs so students can attend internships, jobs and enrichment activities.

Vision Zero advocates asked for an inflation‑adjusted increase to the city’s Vision Zero allocation and for more structural street changes — protected bike lanes, road diets and targeted enforcement for hit‑and‑run drivers. Speakers cited dozens of traffic deaths and urged the council to prioritize safety and mode shift to reduce injuries.

The hearing recorded strong public support for combining transit affordability with street safety investments, framing the proposals as complementary elements of an equitable mobility strategy.