by KYW's vice president and general manager David Yadgaroff
Mayor Nutter’s heart was in the right place when he urged jubilant Phillies fans to take mass transit to the parade. But his heart was making promises the municipal body just couldn’t keep.
SEPTA was more circumspect. It stated the facts of life: not enough equipment or time to meet the onslaught of expected hordes. The system was cast in Mission Impossible.
And that's just what happened. It made for an irritated public, sore feet, creatures of mass frustration. And for some kids, a lost trick-or-treat night.
Everyone should have learned from the "Live 8" chaos five years ago that the region needed a transit plan, not just warnings. So, with a new transportation czarina on board in Philadelphia, it would have made sense to coordinate with suburban officials to create parking zones and shuttle services to run on dedicated bus routes and lanes to center city. Special parade tickets, like stadium tickets, could have been required for access to train platforms.
The region has twelve months to plan for next year's Phillies' celebration. It can and should do better than merely plead for patience.
To submit a comment or reply to this editorial, send an e-mail to yadgaroff@KYW.com.
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