School Closures, SEPTA’s Robo-Tickets & Flower Show Madness
Good morning, Philly. Here’s what you missed around the city yesterday—school uproar, trolley cams, a detour headache, and plenty more worth your time.
Schools: Closures Plan Gets Pushback
The School District rolled out its $2.8 billion facilities master plan last night—and folks are not happy. Hundreds packed the district HQ to protest possible closures, even after officials said fewer schools would shut down and more would get makeovers instead (updated here). Board votes are coming, so expect more noise and maybe less certainty about what’s happening to your local building.
SEPTA: Ticket Bots Are Coming
SEPTA is installing AI-powered ticketing cameras on trolleys to catch drivers blocking lanes—so if you’re used to treating the tracks like a parking lot (or know people who do), consider this your official warning. The cameras are coming to all trolley routes soon, following the same system already used on buses (more details).
Transit & Traffic: 202 Slowdown
Route 202 in King of Prussia is partially closed until the fall (sinkhole repairs again), detours and rush-hour backups already started. Details here if your commute or weekend errands put you anywhere near there.
City Hall: Big Votes on Deck
Voters will decide soon on whether Philly’s ‘resign-to-run’ rule stays or goes. This means any elected official wanting a different office (think Council members eyeing a mayoral run) might not need to quit first if the rule is tossed. Watch for this on your ballot in upcoming city elections.
More to Know
- The Flower Show Numbers Are Out: Here’s your by-the-numbers guide—thousands of blooms, 10 acres, and plenty of spectacle.
- Oyster House is now a James Beard America’s Classics Award winner. Go for the oysters, stay for the citywide reputation.
- Philly’s still #1 for street art, according to USA Today readers. Tell your mural-loving out-of-town friends.
- One Book, One Philly: Free Library’s pick for this year is ‘Our Missing Hearts’. Copies and events all spring.
- SEPTA bonus: Trolleys aren’t the only target for new automated traffic cameras—red light enforcement just started at 58th & Baltimore too.
That’s what mattered in Philly yesterday. See you in the trolley lanes (but not blocking them).
