From PhillyVoice · · 3m
Public transit nerd rides all SEPTA Regional Rail stops in 2 days
Rich Temple, 66, spends two days traveling every SEPTA Regional Rail station to advocate for sustainable funding.
In brief
Rich Temple, 66, spends two days traveling every SEPTA Regional Rail station to advocate for sustainable funding. Rich Temple, 66, will ride all 13 SEPTA Regional Rail lines in two days to push for long-term funding for the transit authority. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Rich Temple's transit mission
Rich Temple, 66, of Society Hill, will spend two days riding all 13 SEPTA Regional Rail lines to advocate for sustainable funding.
Two-day Regional Rail journey
Over two days, Temple will pass through all 158 stations on 13 SEPTA Regional Rail lines, spending roughly 24 hours traveling.
Public transit advocate
Temple, a self-proclaimed 'public transit nerd,' aims to highlight SEPTA's value while addressing its unique challenges.
SEPTA funding crisis
SEPTA faces a $192 million deficit with funding set to run out by July 1, 2027, after state lawmakers failed to identify a recurring revenue source.
Guinness World Records history
Temple and two friends set a record in 1988 for fastest NYC subway navigation, hitting all 466 stations in 29 hours, 47 minutes, 12 seconds.
Transit speedrunning
Transit speedrunning is an international hobby where users race through public transit systems, with SEPTA having five registered speedrunners.
SEPTA's funding plan
Gov. Josh Shapiro requested $400 million in capital funding to address SEPTA's $192 million deficit, calling it a 'Band-Aid' solution.
Temple's two-day plan
Temple starts at 30th Street Station at 4:05 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, heading toward Trenton Station before returning to Center City by 9 a.m.
SEPTA's service cuts
SEPTA implemented service cuts and fare hikes after state lawmakers failed to identify a recurring revenue source for the transit authority.
Temple's motivation
Temple wants to call attention to SEPTA's value and unique challenges, emphasizing its role as a vital economic engine for the state.
Funding timeline
SEPTA's current funding will run out by July 1, 2027, after Gov. Shapiro's $400 million capital funding request.
Temple's past transit runs
Temple previously traversed the entire Los Angeles metro system three years ago and set a NYC subway record in 1988 with two friends.
SEPTA's current challenges
SEPTA faces operational challenges including delays, detours, equipment malfunctions, and police activity that can disrupt schedules.
Temple's advocacy goal
Temple aims to catalyze legislative action to sustainably fund SEPTA, emphasizing its economic importance for the state.
SEPTA funding solution
After Democrats won a 'trifecta' in Pennsylvania, Gov. Shapiro promised to fund mass transit through legislation.
The big picture
Rich Temple, 66, will ride all 13 SEPTA Regional Rail lines in two days to push for long-term funding for the transit authority.
