Yesterday in Philly: Robots, Route Cuts, and Market Street Makeovers
SEPTA’s Bus ‘Revolution’ Is Back (And So Are the Cuts)
Heads up, bus riders: SEPTA just rolled out its long-delayed Bus Revolution redesign, and another round of “streamlining” is coming. Expect more than a dozen routes to disappear or be consolidated starting this summer—SEPTA says it’ll improve reliability, but if your commute relies on legacy buses, check the new schedules (here’s a full rundown) and brace for new routines. Good news: after yesterday’s transformer fire and transit drama at City Hall, service is back to normal.
Market Street East: Grant Money, Pop-Ups, (Some) Demolition on Hold
Market Street East just scored a $1.85 million face-lift—think pop-up shops, murals, and a big push to get ready for FIFA World Cup crowds. Meanwhile, the Sixers and Comcast Spectacor are pausing some of those planned building demolitions, at least through the summer, to host a series of pop-up retail and dining spots. The aim? Make Market East feel lively, not like a construction site, just in time for big events.
Center City’s New Delivery Crew: Robots
If you spot something rolling down the sidewalk with your lunch, don’t panic—it’s not Black Mirror, it’s Uber Eats, which launched robot deliveries in Center City. The little bots are already making drop-offs from select restaurants, and Uber says more are coming. (SEPTA's not replacing drivers with robots—yet.)
Sixers: Cord Era Ending, Oubre Out, Maxey Worries
The Sixers are suddenly in scramble mode. Longtime PA announcer Matt Cord is retiring after 28 years on the mic—he’s basically Philly basketball’s voice. On the court, Kelly Oubre Jr. is out at least two weeks with an elbow injury, and there’s worry about Tyrese Maxey’s lingering issues (as power rankings tank). At least they eked out an emotional win against the Grizzlies. Small mercies.
City Hall Shakeups
Sincere Harris, a top Parker administration official, is stepping down. Not many details yet, but it raises questions about what’s next for the mayor’s office as the new team is barely three months in.
Quick Hits
- Gas prices are up again. Blame oil, global chaos, etc.
- Kelly’s Seafood is closing after 68 years in Northeast Philly. End of an era for crab cake die-hards.
- Philly schools now officially guarantee bathroom and water breaks. Should not be news in 2026, but here we are.
- Into art? Fishtown’s Freehand Art Supply is open, and Ministry of Awe just turned a vacant Old City bank into an immersive experience.
- Check events (what to do in Philly this week)—and Center City’s Open Streets is coming back with 20 car-free days.
That’s the city for yesterday—keep an eye on your bus route, your rent, and maybe your sidewalk lunch delivery. More tomorrow.
