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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 15/10/2026

We thank Councilmember Young for advancing this legislation, and we hope Council will move more swiftly on critical safety infrastructure in the future.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 15/10/2026

Thanks to everyone for coming out last night! Help us keep the momentum going by joining us at City Hall on 10/22 for the Transit Access Fund bill introduction! www.transitforwardphilly.org/transit_acce...

People smiling and holding up transit signs and postcards

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 08/10/2026

Join us next Tuesday at 6pm for a postcard-writing happy hour at Dock Street Brewery South! We'll be writing postcards to send to City Council in support of city funding for our Zero Fare Program and SEPTA Key Advantage.

A group of people sitting around a table in a bar

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 30/09/2026

On Monday night, more than 500 of you joined us for the urbanist event of the season: CityNerd Live in Philly: The City’s Scorecard. We hosted @nerd4cities.bsky.social Ray Delahanty for a live show discussing what Philly gets right and wrong when it comes to transit, walkability, and affordability.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 18/09/2026

Our housing organizer Dr. Jay Arzu was on @nbcphiladelphia.com to discuss the Roosevelt Boulevard subway and what we need to do as a city to prepare for federal funding.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 18/09/2026

We turned out to the first session of city council yesterday in support of Transit Oriented Communities! Let’s get this done!

Group of four people standing and smiling holding signs reading "MORE HOMES NEAR TRANSIT"

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 10/09/2026

Yesterday, a woman wearing scrubs was hit while biking eastbound on the South Street Bridge. This is the most biked bridge in all of PA. On any given day, an order of magnitude more people walk, bike, or take the bus across this bridge than drive personal vehicles.

Picture of the eastern end of the South Street Bridge. Cones are blocking off the section where the right-turn lane and bike lane intersect

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 08/09/2026

Join us next Tuesday, 9/15, for a meetup at Roxborough Pocket Park! 5thsq.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/ne...

A group of people sitting and standing in Roxborough Pocket Park while Rep Tarik Khan speaks in front of them

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 07/09/2026

Our organizers worked back in 2020 to cobble together a grant among transit advocacy orgs to study institutional passes for SEPTA. thephiladelphiacitizen.org/septa-free-p...

Screenshot of Philadelphia Citizen Article:
It started with college students
Conversations at SEPTA about an institutional pass concept began in 2013 and 2014. Back then, the idea was to create bulk fares for university students using Pittsburgh's successful university pass program as a model. SEPTA's pilot, however, will not include college students, even though Drexel University itself is part of the initial trio.
The unofficial plan at SEPTA is to branch into student passes in a future phase. As it turned out, new employee benefits were relatively faster and more straightforward to stand up than new student benefits.
But advocates who have long worked to advance the university pass concept within SEPTA — an effort that I have been closely involved with from 2014 through the present day — are not disappointed by this outcome. Instead, they are thrilled with the pilot's progress among those three large employers.
The main supporters of student transit passes have included SEPTA's Youth Advisory Council, 5th Square, the Clean Air Council and the Transit Forward Philly coalition, who worked with staff allies at SEPTA to overcome internal resistance and neutralize arguments that had long prevented the concept from advancing.

These transit advocates and transportation environmentalists were inspired by success stories from Pittsburgh, Seattle, Chicago, Washington DC, Columbus, Ohio, and other cities. Greater Philadelphia possesses key ingredients. Not only do we have more higher-ed institutions, we also have a more expansive regional public transportation network than many other university pass cities. It became clear to these groups that a pass like Pittsburgh's U-Pass could be even more successful here.
SEPTA could add a truly massive number of transit riders by putting a monthly pass into the hands of every college student and university worker, from custodians to administrators to professors. According to Campus Philly's most recent annual report (2019), enrollment at their partner schools in our region was over 278,000. Add in university workers, and there's a major opportunity for growing transit ridership and revenue.
For various reasons, the student pass idea on its own generated socializing and beginning analysis — but not much action - from SEPTA under the administration of then-General Manager Jeff Kneuppel.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 07/09/2026

Using SEPTA Key Advantage as an incentive to attract jobs to Philadelphia is a smart move and we are thrilled to have played a small part in its founding! www.inquirer.com/real-estate/...

What government incentives are going to Burlington?
$30 million: How much Burlington is set to receive in grants from Pennsylvania.
$8 million: What the City of Philadelphia plans to invest in Burlington's move, including a $7 million forgivable loan and $1 million for a year of free SEPTA passes for employees.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 03/08/2026

@nerd4cities.bsky.social is coming to Philly on September 28th! Ticket presale is now open to 5th Square Advocacy members. If you're not a member, sign up today! 5thsq.app.neoncrm.com/forms/member...

Graphic advertising an event titled "CityNerd Live in Philly: The City's Scorecard". The background image is an aerial shot of an L train with pictures of three individuals on top and logos of 5th Square Advocacy and Progress and Poverty Institute.
The graphic's text reads:
"A deep discussion on what Philly gets right and wrong in terms of walkability, transit, and affordability with Ray Delahanty. Special Guest Dr. Jay Arzu, Roosevelt Blvd Subway. Emcee Corinne Lagermasini, 5th Square Advocacy. Monday, September 28 at 7pm, Resurrection Philadelphia, 128 S 17th St - Philadelphia, PA."

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 28/07/2026

Great turnout for today’s Transit Forward Philly Transit Marathon. Kicking off 24 hours on transit meeting with riders, elected officials and neighborhood groups from across the SEPTA service area. Transit funding is more important than ever and we are proud to participate!

Councilmember Squilla standing in front of a group of people holding transit signs

Two people holding Transit for All PA signs and wearing shirts reading “Transit moves us”

Two people wearing shirts reading “Build the Roosevelt Blvd Subway!”

A group of people wearing shirts and holding signs in support of transit, standing in front of Philadelphia City Hall

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 24/07/2026

Hurry, we’ve gotta build some more bike lanes here in Philly ASAP

Screenshot of GQ Sports with a photo of LeBron wearing a bike helmet and a headline reading “LeBron James Is a Big Bike Guy”.

Interviewer: In your career, we've seen you biking in Cleveland, and then in Miami. LA's obviously a little trickier. Tell me about where biking fits into your life right now.

LeBron: It's definitely a lot trickier, because it's heavy traffic here, things of that nature. But we ride bikes here a lot. Not as much as I do back home when I'm in Ohio, because we have a lot of bike paths and things like that, which helps. But yeah, biking's still a part of our life here in Los Angeles.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 24/07/2026

Far too many Philadelphians have been killed or seriously injured in crashes on West Market Street. It's time for a change. That's why we rallied with @bikeaction.org and @bcgp.bsky.social to demand PennDOT implement safety improvements on West Market Street.

A Man wearing a PBA shirt speaks into a microphone in front of a crowd holding signs supporting safe streets.

A man speaks into a microphone in front of a crowd holding signs supporting safe streets, with TV cameras pointed at them.

A man wearing a Philadelphia City Council shirt speaks into a microphone in front of a crowd holding signs supporting safe streets.

A woman standing with a child wearing a Jay Alert shirt speaks into a microphone in front of a crowd holding signs supporting safe streets.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 21/07/2026

Right after the two-year memorial for Dr. Friedes and on the very block where she was killed. This is exactly why we need concrete protection.

Amazon van blocking Spruce Street bike lane with Dr. Barbara Friedes's ghost bike in the foreground

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 19/07/2026

We appreciate Council President Johnson’s support for concrete bike lane protection to hopefully prevent more families from tragically losing a loved one.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 04/06/2026

Transit Oriented Communities passed out of Committee on Rules yesterday! Thank you to all our organizers and supporters who showed up to voice support for More Homes Near Transit (notably there were zero opponents). We look forward to supporting this bill’s passage through the full council soon.

Supporters holding signs that say “More Homes Near Transit”

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 07/05/2026

It will be a BLAST! Tickets: www.5thsqadvocacy.org/LAC

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 30/04/2026

🚇 In council today in support for CM Landau’s resolution for hearings on expanding SEPTA student fares. Let’s get these fare cards working nights, weekends and summers! @ruephilacouncil.bsky.social @transit4philly.bsky.social

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 08/04/2026

Grateful for the opportunity to meet the Office of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, and discuss our support for Transit-Oriented Communities. More homes near transit means more riders for SEPTA, lower transportation costs for residents, and more families able to put down roots in the city.

Seven people holding signs that say “More Homes Near Transit”

Sign that says “More Homes Near Transit” with drawings of buildings, a SEPTA bus and the L train.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 12/03/2026

This is a huge win for riders and a huge win for SEPTA! With our partner, @transit4philly.bsky.social, we visited multiple councilmembers at last week's advocacy day and our volunteers and organizers participated in a massive rally at City Hall. These wins were because of US!

Transit advocates rallying in front of Philadelphia city hall with giant painted banner reading “SAVE ZERO FARE”

Transit advocates in front of city hall holding paper mache subway reading “INVEST IN YOURSELF PHILLY”

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 05/03/2026

🌳🏙️ We’re seeking our first Executive Director to lead our mission for a more accessible and equitable Philadelphia. Know a strategic leader ready to fight for better urbanism? Apply here: www.5thsqadvocacy.org/ED

A promotional graphic for 5th Square Advocacy with the heading "WE'RE HIRING" in large, bold black letters. Below the heading, the text reads: "We are seeking our first Executive Director. The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of 5th Square Advocacy. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for advancing the organization's mission through strong leadership, financial stewardship, partnership development, and operational excellence." At the bottom, a call to action says, "Apply at: www.5thsqadvocacy.org/ED."

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 19/01/2026

Also star-struck by their cameo at our holiday party!

Home-made real-time bus display on a festively decorated table

Folks wearing SEPTA ugly holiday sweaters standing into front of the surreptitious real time display on the left side

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 16/01/2026

Thank you to the 100 folks who attended our first ever Urbanist PowerPoint Party last night! We had a great time deep diving into just a few topics covering our built environment.

Image of 100 people dressed casually sitting in a church room watching a presenter

Image of 8 people posing for a group photo

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 15/12/2025

To ease the burden on diverted riders, starting today SEPTA announced: - Shuttle Buses on Market St - Police at 38th & Spruce to help trolleys turn - Parking restrictions - Closing part of 40th St to traffic - Extended green lights on 40th st wwww.septa.org/news/trolley...

T Trolley Tunnel Closure Extended, Shuttle Bus Service Begins Monday, Dec.
15
12/12/2025
Bulletins
Service Advisory
T
Update as of December 12, 2025:

SEPTA will begin running a new T Bus Shuttle 7 days a week as the Center City Trolley Tunnel Closure is expected to continue through the end of December.
This new shuttle, running every 10 minutes, will be added starting at 6 am on Monday, December 15.
SEPTA is making these changes after determining that more testing is needed before the tunnel can be opened for regular trolley service.
We understand the frustration this extended closure is causing to our riders. To mitigate the impact of this closure, SEPTA is doing the following:

Implementing a T Bus Shuttle between 40th-Market and 15th St/City Hall
To better meet the needs of riders traveling to/from points between 40th St and 15th St not served by the L, SEPTA will be implementing a T Bus Shuttle starting at 6 am and running until midnight beginning Monday, December 15.
This bus option will run approximately every 10 minutes between 40th-Market and 15th St/City Hall, stopping near each T station along the way:
T Bus Shuttle stops:
• 40th and Market
• 36th and Market
• 33rd and Market
• 30th and Market
• 22nd and Market
• 19th and Market (Eastbound) / 19th and JFK
(Westbound)
• 15th and Market

Working with partners at the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Police Department and Philadelphia Parking Authority to implement on-street interventions to speed up the flow of diverted trolleys. So far:
• SEPTA Transit Police and PPD Traffic have been stationed at 38th and Spruce to prioritize trolleys turning from Spruce onto
38th St.
• Parking restrictions have been put in place along the left side of 40th St to minimize the impacts of illegally stopped or double-parked cars blocking T service.
• 40th Street between Powelton and Market Streets has been closed to private vehicle traffic during peak hours.
• Some traffic lights along 40th Street have been granted extended green time to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 14/12/2025

🎉 What a blast celebrating the 2025 Urbanist award winners! Huge thanks to everyone who made our holiday party unforgettable!

Three award winners Taking a selfie with cone trophies

5 folks all wearing SEPTA holiday sweaters

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 12/12/2025

Our Holiday Party and Awards Ceremony is TONIGHT! Get your tickets here ⬇️ 5thsq.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/ne...

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 11/11/2025

Join us and Transit Forward Philadelphia for a book talk with Author Carter Lavin THIS Thursday at 6 PM From safer streets to faster trains, the changes you want are possible—and transportation advocate Carter Lavin can show you how to make them real. RSVP⬇️ 5thsq.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/ne...

cover of the book "if you want to win, you've got to fight, a guide to effective transportation advocacy" and a black and white image of the author, carter lavin, sitting at a bus stop.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 27/10/2025

This lack of safe infrastructure and this driver behavior is what led to the death of Dr. Barbara Friedes last year on the same street. These are not isolated incidents.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 27/10/2025

@bikeaction.org made a rendering of this exact corridor with concrete pills — it’s possible! Just need the political will to do it!!

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 27/10/2025

Yup! Some well-placed concrete should be enough of a deterrent.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 26/10/2025

Absolutely deadly behavior causing another crash on Spruce Street at 5th st early this morning. This is on the busiest bike lane in Philly with over 1,500 riders who use it daily. We deserve so much better than paint and flexposts, we deserve real protection.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 02/08/2025

Another crash and injury on Spruce St. This one taking out a streetlight, an Indego bike corral, and sending another person to the hospital. Our city cannot prevent all reckless driving, but our city can provide for the safety of our most vulnerable. It’s time for concrete protection.

Image of black Kia crashed onto sidewalk with lamp post and bike share rack hit

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 24/07/2025

Looks like Harrisburg is really gonna let SEPTA fail.

Telephone pole with bus stop sign and a notice of discontinued service sign in bright red

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 22/07/2025

Another crash & serious injury on Spruce St in Center City. There’s still no protection for people biking & walking, and reckless driving is as prevalent as ever. It’s beyond time for concrete protection. #concretenow @bcgp.bsky.social @bikeaction.org

First responders working on extricating a victim from an overturned vehicle on the 900 block of spruce st. Vehicle is an SUV overturned in the painted bike lane.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 07/07/2025

One week in and it's clear who keeps this city running. The workers of DC 33 deserve a fair contract and workplace protections, and we stand with them.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 20/06/2025

Best way to report illegally-parked cars is the PPA Hotline: 215-683-9773 For chronic problems: PPA has an online form that now takes reports for bike lane blockers! philapark.org/access/

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 12/06/2025

This was a huge win for safer streets around City Hall! We will be watching this bill closely as it progresses through Council in the fall.

An informational graphic with a blue and green background celebrating a political victory for cycling advocates in Philadelphia.

On the left, a circular photo shows Councilmember Jeffery Young. On the right stands a statue of William Penn.

The text in the center reads: "Councilmember Jeffery Young introduces the legislation for a CITY HALL BIKE LANE 🙌".

Below this, logos for "PHILLY BIKE ACTION! 5th SQUARE" are next to a black and white "BIKE LANE" sign.

The bottom of the graphic states: "Your 1,400 petition signatures, 600 emails, & dozens of calls were heard!"

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 05/06/2025

We packed the Capitol today with Transit riders and workers all with one ask: FUND PA TRANSIT 🚊 🚇 🚌

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 10/05/2025

Truck side guards could have been beneficial here too. 5/

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 10/05/2025

More immediately, the crash intersection has been awaiting installation of red light cameras since 2022, with PPA citing age of equipment causing the delay. 4/

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 10/05/2025

This is along a trolley corridor slated for modernization with platforms that physically protect the bike lane and may have prevented this tragedy. 2/

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 08/05/2025

Check out this world-class pedestrian plaza that will accompany this 1,005-space garage.

A bunch of small hostile cubes on open concrete no-shade lot

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 06/05/2025

Plus this chart really shows how little we spend per rider on transit.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 03/05/2025

Mazlow’s Hierarchy of Needs, NIMBY edition

The image displays Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, represented as a pyramid with five levels, but with an additional element at the very bottom.
* Bottom Level (Physiological): This foundational level includes basic survival needs such as "Food Water Shelter Warmth."
* Second Level (Safety): The next level up encompasses needs related to "Security Stability Freedom from Fear."
* Third Level (Belonging - Love): This level focuses on social needs like "Friends Family Spouse Lover."
* Fourth Level (Self-Esteem): Here, the needs are for "Achievement Mastery Recognition Respect."
* Top Level (Self-Actualization): At the apex of the pyramid is the need to "Pursue Inner Talent Creativity Fulfillment."
Notably, below the physiological needs, a large red rectangle encloses the word "PARKING."

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 28/04/2025

Beautiful morning speaking to hundreds of Trenton Line riders at Torresdale station this morning asking them to contact electeds for SEPTA funding. Wanna join us for the next one? Sign up here: www.5thsq.org/volunteer

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 11/04/2025

New SEPTA Doomsday map just dropped. Let’s get transit funded, join us tomorrow at 11AM — City Hall.

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 09/04/2025

On Monday, we turned out advocates for safer streets & parents to join with folks from AARP PA, Phila SD, School Crossing Guards’ Union, & @bcgp.bsky.social to testify in support of Speed Cameras in 7 of Philly’s most dangerous school zones. We also supported safety for 47th street in West Philly.

Image of 5th Square volunteers in City Council Chambers awaiting public comment

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5th Square Advocacy @5thsqadvocacy.org · 02/04/2025

Not now, hun. I’m napping in my SEPTA duvet. @septaphilly.bsky.social @septa-social.bsky.social shop.septa.org/products/rai...

Duvet set with septa map on duvet and two pillowcases

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