Goal 5: Livable Communities

Transit spurred the growth of Philadelphia and its suburbs, populating neighborhoods along trolley routes and creating commuter rail access to undeveloped outlying areas. Today, while development has moved far beyond the boundaries of public transit, the benefits of transit-oriented development (TOD) persist. Recent studies show that residents of transit-served communities have a lower cost of living and live healthier lifestyles than those who depend on cars for mobility. Rising transportation costs mean that consumers are once again recognizing the benefits of living near transit, and developers are building to meet that demand. Although SEPTA is constrained in its ability to develop its own land for commercial activity, the Authority can be proactive in supporting ongoing TOD projects and in attracting new development near its facilities. Where new development is not an option, SEPTA can better integrate with communities by improving its accessibility with other modes of transportation.

Key Performance Indicator:

  • Goal: Five (5) new transit-oriented developments by 2015

Initiatives:

  • Invest in community assets
  • Develop a transit-oriented development policy
  • Create a transit-friendly development guide
  • Connect with non-motorized travel modes
  • Support an "age-friendly" Philadelphia

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Goal 6: Access to Fresh Food

Transit enables residents to live beyond the constraints of their neighborhood. In many cases, transit's biggest advantage is that it opens up distant job markets. But transit also provides access to life necessities such as healthcare and, importantly, food. Low income neighborhoods often lack access to fresh food, creating widespread poor health conditions. Recognizing that these conditions exist in Philadelphia, Greenworks Philadelphia set the citywide target of bringing local food to within 10 minutes of 75 percent of residents. As the region's primary provider of transit services, SEPTA will play a substantial role in taking on this challenge. Through a variety of collaborative initiatives, SEPTA, the City of Philadelphia, DVRPC, and the Food Trust can improve access to fresh food for all residents.

Key Performance Indicator:

  • Goal: Three (3) farmers markets hosted on SEPTA property by 2015

Initiatives:

  • Support the City of Philadelphia's efforts to combat "food deserts"
  • Partner with The Food Trust to create farmers markets at SEPTA stations
  • Continue Participation in DVRPC's Food System Study
  • Participate in Fair Food Philly's Community-Supported Agriculture program

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Goal 7: Highly Skilled & Versatile Workforce

SEPTA's long-term sustainability depends on the versatility and well-being of its workforce. As one of the most personnel-intensive organizations in the region, SEPTA must not only look after its current employees but also plan ahead to recruit the next generation of transit leaders. SEPTA is actively pursuing "succession planning" strategies in anticipation of the retirement of 50 percent of its mid- and upper-level management by 2015. Additionally, SEPTA has grown the scope of its training programs and developed a new employee wellness series that includes exercise courses, on-site health services, and a newsletter for healthy lifestyles.

Key Performance Indicator:

  • Goal: 50% turnover filled from succession pool by 2015

Initiatives:

  • Complete comprehensive succession plan on schedule
  • Increase attendance at employee training programs
  • Incorporate sustainability into employee training and wellness programs
  • Pair workplace safety with sustainability initiatives
  • Strengthen SEPTA internship program
  • Promote volunteerism among all employees

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Goal 8: Regional Business Equity

As a recipient of federally designated capital grant funding, SEPTA must adhere to equitable contracting practices. Most notably, SEPTA is required to issue a portion of its contracts to small businesses owned by minorities or women. In light of SEPTA's strong market power in the region, equitable contracting is an important tenant of social sustainability. Additionally, because it is the recipient of all contracted and subcontracted work, SEPTA benefits from the successful performance of DBE firms. For this reason, supporting regional business equity is a strategic imperative.

Key Performance Indicator:

  • Goal: 10% improvement in success rate of newly registered DBE firms between 2011 and 2015
  • Baseline (2006-2010): 16.56% success rate

Initiatives:

  • Automate enrollment and database management systems
  • Increase diligence on personal net worth statements
  • Incorporate sustainability into contractor education and outreach
  • Receive federal approval for mentor/protege relationship program
  • Proactively seek out new opportunities to recruit firms
  • Step up contract enforcement

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