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How SEPTA could solve the chronic operator shortage
Anyone who relies on SEPTA knows an operator shortage regularly forces the agency to delay or cancel scheduled buses, trains, or trolleys.
- What’s the solution to the staffing crisis? Philly isn’t alone — over 90% of U.S. metro transit agencies are in a similar bind. So in addition to what’s already being tried, SEPTA can look to borrow tactics.
Jordan Levy looks at five potential solutions, from higher recruitment bonuses and better salaries to more flexible schedules and better safety programs.
→ How SEPTA could hire more drivers
Where to eat during Dine Latino Restaurant Week
Dine Latino Restaurant Week returns to Philadelphia this Monday through Friday, with over two dozen spots participating.
- A free app or dessert with two entrees is the special on offer at most places. Where should you take advantage? Along with tried and true favorites, there are a handful of newcomers on the list.
BP food and drink reporter Ali Mohsen has the scoop on five newcomers worth checking out while the deal holds.
→ Cemitas, arepas, churros, and more
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Endorsements from state elected officials are stacking up for mayoral candidate Cherelle Parker, who is now backed by Pa. Sens. Street and Hughes. Meanwhile, Rebecca Rynhart nabbed The Inquirer editorial board’s endorsement. [@SenatorHughes/Inquirer$]
- Penn has temporarily covered the sign on its new rowing center after its namesake, a former university rowing coach, was accused of childhood sexual abuse. [Inquirer$/Daily Pennsylvanian/NYT$]
- Warmer weather is spurring drag racing near Rivers Casino, where police say a trio of their vehicles were vandalized during late-night gatherings. [CBS3/6ABC]
- Lokal Artisan Foods, a woman-run food biz known for french toast bites, is this year’s winner of the Sixers’ Buy Black small business incubator. [Lokal/NBA]
- The president and first lady were in Philly over the weekend, visiting granddaughter Maisy Biden’s senior art show at Penn. They brunched at Parc — restaurateur Stephen Starr shared their order; pancakes for POTUS — and were serenaded by Curtis Institute music students. [DP/@stephen.starr/@hughe_dillon]
- What do New Zealanders think of our city? “It’s not often you hear about Philadelphia as a travel destination,” starts a glowing review, but “it should definitely be on your list.” [Stuff]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney joins Temple officials to break ground on the renovation of Paley Hall, which will turn the former library into a new home for the university’s College of Public Health (10 a.m.). The $120M project is expected to reopen fall 2025.
ON THE CALENDAR
🔭 Go stargazing at Lemon Hill with the Fairmount Park Conservancy, with a monthly series of nighttime hikes and telescope sessions. Tickets are $10 and up, or pay what you can. (7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4)
📋 Meet the contenders for at-large seats at the City Council Candidates Convention hosted at WHYY in partnership with The Inquirer and the Committee of 70. The event will run like a reverse job fair, with candidates receiving visitors at their tables. (4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11)
📖 The Free Library hosts Questlove and S.A. Cosby as part of its author series, in conversation with BlackStar founder Maori Karmael Holmes. Tickets are $26. (3 p.m. Sunday, April 16)
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