Report on the “Week Without Driving” Initiative in Philadelphia

Introduction and Core Objectives

Advocates and organizers in Philadelphia have launched the “Week Without Driving,” a national initiative designed to highlight the systemic barriers faced by individuals who do not use private vehicles for transportation. Hosted by the Transit Forward Philly coalition, the event serves as a platform to advocate for enhanced public transportation infrastructure, a critical component for achieving several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The initiative directly supports SDG 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By focusing on the challenges of non-drivers, the campaign advocates for progress toward Target 11.2: providing access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.

• Chris Gale, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, stated, “We want everyone to get around safely and have the choice of how they get around,” emphasizing the need for diverse and reliable mobility options.
• A primary focus is securing a long-term, sustainable funding solution for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to ensure the transit system’s viability and service quality.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The campaign underscores the importance of equitable access to transportation, a key factor in reducing inequalities (SDG 10). According to Ruth Rosas, the national organizer, approximately one-third of the U.S. population does not rely on driving, a demographic often overlooked in transportation planning.

• The initiative aims to make elected officials, decision-makers, and planners aware that a significant portion of the population is excluded when transportation systems are car-centric.
• By improving public transit, the city can ensure that all residents, regardless of age, income, or ability, have equitable access to employment, education, and essential services.

SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Promoting alternatives to driving aligns with SDG 3 by encouraging active transport like walking and cycling, and with SDG 13 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The involvement of Titania Markland from the Clean Air Council highlights the environmental imperative of this shift.

• Reduced reliance on private vehicles contributes to better air quality, directly impacting public health.
• Investing in public and active transport infrastructure is a crucial climate action strategy for urban environments.

Key Issues and Stakeholder Perspectives

Public Transit Funding and Policy Challenges

The event occurs amidst a critical funding challenge for SEPTA, exacerbated by a state budget impasse. This situation has direct consequences on the accessibility and reliability of public transport.

1. Political disagreements have stalled a long-term funding solution for public transit across Pennsylvania.
2. SEPTA recently faced significant fare hikes and service cuts, which were only temporarily averted by a short-term deal using capital funds.
3. Advocates stress the urgent need for a sustainable funding model to replace the temporary measures and support system improvements.

Advocacy for Increased Investment

Speakers at the event argued that public transit should be viewed as a high-return investment rather than an expense.

• JJ Tiziou, founder of Walk Around Philadelphia, described transit funding as “an investment that will bear exponential benefits for the region.”
• Transit advocate Alan Fisher has previously argued that SEPTA is highly cost-effective compared to peer systems and that increased investment would deliver significantly better performance.

Campaign Scope and Call to Action

National and International Reach

The “Week Without Driving” has grown from a local to a national movement, with participation in all 50 states and international interest. This global reach signifies a growing recognition of the need for sustainable and equitable transportation systems.

Call to Action

The primary objective is to build empathy and political will by encouraging those who typically drive to experience the challenges of navigating the city without a car.

• Titania Markland urged drivers to “step back and into the shoes of someone else who can’t drive.”
• The campaign encourages direct experience to foster greater public support for investments in infrastructure that advance the Sustainable Development Goals related to urban mobility, equity, and climate resilience.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article’s central theme is the improvement of public transportation in Philadelphia. It focuses on making the city more accessible and inclusive for all residents, particularly non-drivers. The advocacy for a system where people can “get around safely” and have a “choice of how to get around” directly supports the goal of creating sustainable, safe, and inclusive urban environments.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The article extensively discusses the need for stable and long-term investment in public transit infrastructure. The call for a “long-term funding solution for SEPTA” and the emphasis on “investing in both the public transit system and the Philadelphia area’s infrastructure” align with the goal of developing quality, reliable, and resilient infrastructure to support human well-being and ensure equitable access.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: While not the primary focus, the promotion of public transportation over private vehicles is a key strategy for climate change mitigation. The involvement of the “Clean Air Council” in coordinating the “Week Without Driving” explicitly links the initiative to environmental goals, such as improving air quality, which is an integral part of climate action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 11.2: “By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations…” This target is directly addressed through the “Week Without Driving” campaign, which aims to “shed light on the barriers that non-drivers face.” The article highlights that about “one-third of the U.S. population” does not drive, emphasizing the need for accessible and sustainable transport options for this significant portion of the population.
• Target 9.1: “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.” The article’s discussion of SEPTA’s financial struggles, including “significant fare hikes and service cuts,” and the urgent call from advocates for a “long-term funding solution” directly relate to the need for developing reliable and sustainable public transit infrastructure to ensure it remains an affordable and equitable option for everyone.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Proportion of the population dependent on public transport: The article explicitly states, “About one-third of the U.S. population doesn’t rely on driving as its main form of transportation.” This statistic serves as a direct indicator of the population size that requires accessible and reliable public transportation, measuring the scope of Target 11.2.
• Level and stability of public transit funding: The article’s focus on the budget impasse, the need to “replace the capital assistance SEPTA dipped into,” and the search for a “grand bargain’ on sustainably funding public transit” implies that the amount and reliability of financial investment are key indicators for measuring progress toward building resilient infrastructure (Target 9.1).
• Affordability and accessibility of service: The mention of “significant fare hikes and service cuts” by SEPTA serves as an implied indicator of the system’s performance. Tracking fare prices, service frequency, and route coverage can measure whether the transport system is becoming more or less affordable and accessible to the public, which is crucial for both Target 11.2 and Target 9.1.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: whyy.org