FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Information:
5th Square Advocacy
Corinne Lagermasini
445-465-9378
corinne@5thsqadvocacy.org
5th Square Advocacy Applauds SEPTA’s Release of Accelerate — Long-Range Vision
PHILADELPHIA, PA, September 22, 2026 — 5th Square Advocacy applauds the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) for releasing their new long-range vision,
Accelerate. The report charts a path for SEPTA to better serve the way people live, work, and travel today.
Corinne Lagermasini, Executive Director of 5th Square Advocacy, says, “With this announcement, the path is set for SEPTA to transition into a world class public transit service that meets riders where we’re at.”
“This plan shows that with sufficient investment, we can have a world-class transit system. We need buy-in from State and Federal government and the political will to not just fund — but also upgrade — our public transit system.”
“Frequency means freedom — and providing frequent service to over a million more residents will be revolutionary. Philadelphia already has one of the most extensive rail networks in the country. Implementing 15-minute frequency on regional rail lines would be akin to a subway expansion and would transform access for thousands throughout our region.”
“We can’t ignore SEPTA’s $10.2 billion state of good repair backlog. We have a legacy system that’s seen decades of under-investment. We have too many stations that lack accessibility, an aging rail fleet, and a system that treats transit and regional rail riders differently.”
“Philadelphians deserve reliable, modern public transit. SEPTA should also have a vision for our current rail transit deserts along Roosevelt Blvd and the Navy Yard. We also need a concrete timeline for these changes.”
Transit Forward Philadelphia Coalition Manager Stephen Bronskill said, "This is a make-or-break moment for public transit in Philly and across PA. Our state leaders can pass a transit funding solution that not only avoids devastating service cuts next year but also invests in initiatives like reimagining regional rail, delivering the safe, reliable, frequent service Philly and communities across the commonwealth deserve.”
Transit For All PA Statewide Campaign Manager Connor Descheemaker added, “All transit riders in PA deserve to see a better future ahead of them. Our public goods, including transit, cannot be resigned to stagnation and loss. That’s why we continue to fight for real investment in service restoration and expansion: exactly what SEPTA’s strategic plan is proposing.”
5th Square Advocacy is a 501c4 nonprofit organization mobilizing neighbors to advocate for people-centered communities. We fight for policies at every level of government that promote abundant housing, safe roadways, and accessible transit. Learn more at
www.5thsqadvocacy.org
