Around the Block: 10/6/2023

Hey ATB readers,

Today, just a few thoughts that relate to the city.

First, last week, I wrote a detailed piece about my family’s spectacular trip to the redwoods, along with an array of pictures of some tremendously towering trees. I also included a Philly-centric tie-in to the piece (of course I did), which stated:

My family’s love of trees and trails does not, of course, only extend to high rise tall redwoods that are 3,000 miles away. We are so fortunate to live in a city with the greatest urban park in the country. Fairmount Park and, more specifically, Wissahickon Valley Park. When I walk among the Wissahickon’s 50+ miles of trails, I do not lament that I am not in the Redwoods. Rather, I consider myself fortunate to live in a city that offers some of the most beautiful trails and trees and geologic formations anywhere—and that I can walk them regularly with Kristen, the boys, our little dog Monty, and friends. That makes me happy.

I spent my entire childhood living in Addison Court in Society Hill. In 1968, when the homes were built, the developer planted one little tree in the middle of this new cobblestone courtyard. I remember that tree as I was growing up. It is still there today, over 50 years later. It has grown, of course. Certainly no redwood, but a beauty just the same. Philly has so many parks and street trees (though some blocks could use more for sure).

Trees are amazing and complex beings. So, whether you are in a National Park, the Wissahickon, Rittenhouse Square, or just walking down a tree-lined block, please notice and enjoy the life-giving trees all around.

Well, with respect to the Wissahickon, my son Ari and wife Kristen have entered the Friends of the Wissahickon All Trails Challenge this Fall in order to raise money to help preserve the 1,800-acre Wissahickon Valley Park and its over 50 miles of trails. Over 2 million hikers, bikers, runners, horseback riders, strollers, and all-around nature enjoyers and appreciators visit the Wissahickon every year! It is such a special place and is among the very best urban parks in the world!

Please visit the Wissahickon and enjoy!

Next, moving the discussion from the Wissahickon to public transportation. SEPTA has recently offered the clunkiest of payment options. For decades, SEPTA had tokens. This was a pretty solid system. You bought tokens, and you dropped one in. They were readily available (even at Wawa) and offered at a discount price compared to the cash fare.

And, if you had a friend with you, you could give one to them. Super low-tech and super easy. However, they were not a perfect solution because you still needed cash for a transfer, and they did not work on the regional rail.

By the way, the best part of the token was that stylish thick copper stripe that ran through the middle. And how it says “Good for one fair.” That seems both pretty obvious and old-timey. Man, that was a really cool coin.

While many transportation systems (and most other businesses) were starting to consider Apple Pay in 2016, SEPTA was instead working on its dreaded Key Card. Maligned because they were hard to purchase and even harder to refill. You had to use clunky kiosks that were often out of order or had long lines. The machines had continual glitches and were hard to figure out, even if they worked correctly. Riders stood at those machines trying to figure out their purchase before finally procuring the card (or simply giving up). And you could only use the Key Card for one fare at a time, so if were with an infrequent SEPTA rider they could not use one of your fares. They had to purchase their own card even if they only used SEPTA once. And at the same time, SEPTA got rid of the token, so the Key Card was the only option (sometimes not even cash option was available). What a downgrade.

Last year, SEPTA introduced its app, which let you load fares onto your phone. You need to activate each fare to use it, and it is still pretty clunky for 2023 (SEPTA does clunky very well). At least you can activate two fares at the same time and pay for a friend. I keep bringing this friend thing up because these days I primarily use SEPTA to take the subway to Eagles games. I typically bring a friend who is not a regular SEPTA user and does not have the SEPTA app or a Key Card. Now, I can at least use my SEPTA app to get them on.

SEPTA has always had some other options for daily users, such as TrailPass and TransPass, but these only make economic sense if you use really use SEPTA every day. Not a ton of people do that, especially since the pandemic.

Well, October of 2023 and SEPTA has finally stepped to the plate. Starting now, you can pay on SEPTA buses, trolleys, and the subway and El directly with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or credit card. (Coming to Regional Rail in early 2024). Philadelphians and out-of-towners alike can now pay for SEPTA just like they pay for everything else. It is about time.

Finally, let’s talk about how Philly has the most passionate sports fans. Raucous Citizens Bank Park is the hardest place to play in Major League Baseball. Bar none. The Phils took care of business in two games against the Marlins, and now it is time to beat Atlanta–with its dated team name and mocking Tomahawk Chop chant, maybe we should just refer to them as “Atlanta Baseball Team” instead. Anyway, Atlanta has a great lineup, but I am confident the Phils will prevail just like we beat them last year. Let’s Go Fightins’!

And props to the Eagles, who are one of only two undefeated teams in the National Football League. The Linc was rocking on Sunday, and I expect an equally pro-Birds crowd as we travel to Los Angeles this Sunday. Do you think there will be more Eagles fans or Rams fans at SoFi this weekend? GO BIRDS!

I hope everyone has a great weekend, whether you plan to hike in the Wissahickon, ride some SEPTA, or watch the Phils & Eagles. Most Philadelphians will likely do at least one of these things (or all three!).

Warm regards,

Jeff

As always, please know that I’m humbled by and appreciative of your introductions and referrals. If you have a friend, colleague, or family member that is in need of Expert Real Estate Representation, please have them contact me.

Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.