Tale of Two Commutes
Allow me to take you on a journey through the intricate web of Philadelphia’s public transit system. While many of you may not be intimately acquainted with the city’s transportation infrastructure, I invite you to join me in exploring the stark contrast between two modes of transit: the SEPTA Regional Rail and the SEPTA Market-Frankford EL Train aka the Blue Line. In this tale of two commutes, we’ll uncover two vastly different experiences — one characterized by comfort and ease, the other, well, not so much.
Originally intended as an Op-Ed for my local newspaper, which regrettably wasn’t accepted, I’ve decided to share my insights with a wider audience here on Medium. As a fervent supporter and enthusiast of public transportation, I have had the opportunity to traverse both of these lines extensively. The difference in the quality of commute between the two is shocking.
When riding the SEPTA Regional Rail, words that come to mind are, comfortable and clean. There’s a sense of community on this line. SEPTA’s Regional Rail service offers QuietRide cars on trains operating between 4 am and 7 pm on weekdays. The QuietRide car is the first car of trains with three or more cars open to passengers. I have been shushed by commuters and the conductor regularly informs riders not to talk on the quiet train.
The Market–Frankford Line ( Blue Line aka the El) is a subway and elevated line that runs east/west from the Frankford Transportation Center in the Frankford section of Philadelphia to 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby, via Center City Philadelphia. There are no quiet trains on this line. I also want to note that as of lately, every time I ride the EL, I have to maneuver around trash, dirt, and debris.
I recently had an exchange with SEPTA_SOCIAL, the official SEPTA Customer Service account, on Twitter to showcase what I’d seen during my commute. While they were disappointed to see this, things have not since improved.
Overall there is an undeniable difference in infrastructure, ambiance, and service quality between the two lines. Join me as we navigate through the intricacies of each, revealing the unique narratives they have to offer.
Ambiance and Decorum
In my journey through these two SEPTA lines, the contrast in ambiance and decorum stands out distinctly.
Starting with the Regional Rail, there is a clean, calm, and orderly atmosphere across the line. This makes for a relaxing commute and an overall pleasant experience on the SEPTA.
I want to point out that the SEPTA Regional Rail Conductors maintain a smooth journey and they play a key role in the pleasant ambiance. This trickles down into the commuter culture, one that emphasizes respect and order among regular passengers.
The Blue Line Market-Frankford EL Train experience is one with a drastically different ambiance and decorum. There is little maintenance on the train. The train is far from clean, and it does not have the same calm and orderly atmosphere that the Regional Rail does. The atmosphere is quite the opposite. Often loud and full of debris, the ambiance of the Blue Line could be described as chaotic — not calm.
Additionally, on the Blue Line, there is a lack of sufficient resources for maintaining order and decorum. Conductors aren’t playing the role of keeping a pleasant ambiance, simply because there doesn’t seem to be the resources for that to be possible.
The Implication of Difference in Commuter Experience
The stark difference in commuter experience, compiled with differences in maintenance, order, and atmosphere shines light on a bigger problem. The implications of these differences directly reflect the perception of commuters’ value.
It is clear that one line of public transportation is valued more than another — the line going to and from the suburbs. The lack of value for the Blue Line (one whose commuters are primarily city-based, lower income, and people of color) can be seen in the lack of maintenance, order, and resources. Furthermore, the Blue Line does not receive the same privileges as the Regional Rail, such as the availability of Quiet Cars This makes for a commuter experience on the Blue Line that’s unpleasant and simply unfair.
These experiences suggest that the public transportation priorities in the city are directed towards suburban commuters — primarily white commuters and those of a higher social status. The imperative for fair and equal treatment across all transit lines is clear, given the glaring disparities in commuter experiences.
Change is Necessary
I want to propose a call to action for improvements to the Blue Line. I urge authorities to address disparities in public transit services, as the current conditions are unjust and they directly represent a bigger issue of social and racial inequality in the city.
The need for equitable public transportation experiences is essential to creating a stronger, more sustainable community in Philadelphia. Commuters on the Blue Line should be able to commute to and from work without seats covered in debris or loud disorder — and even violence. Commuters on the Blue Line deserve the same quality of commute as those riding the Regional Rail.
I am committed to improving public transit and I want to urge authorities and the public to do the same. I believe that Ambassadors are needed on the Blue Line to help tide the downward slide of the decorum of this ride.
I invite riders and the broader public to unite with us in this call to action, extending our reach beyond Philadelphia. Utilize the power of social media by engaging with @SEPTA_SOCIAL on Twitter to ignite the conversation. Let’s proactively connect with local authorities through calls, letters, and emails. Remember, change is attainable, but it demands our collective action!
