A: Yes it is at the driver’s discretion.  However, they are required to accommodate the requests of elderly, disabled, infirmed or obese passengers for that front seat if it seems that it is easier for the individual to enter and exit the vehicle from that location.

Do you have a Taxi question?  Tweet us your question using #TaxiQ

For any other questions or concerns about Taxis in Philadelphia, contact:

Telephone: 215-683-9440

E-Mail: taxicomplaint@philapark.org

There is a new taxi stand at the 300 block of Market Street on the north side and it has been designated by the PPA and Streets Department for evening passenger pickups. The new taxi zone will operate 7 days a week, from 6:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m to get you home safely on those late nights.

A new flat rate of $5.00 is now available on Friday and Saturday evenings, from 5:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. at PPA’s AutoPark at Independence Mall Garage (41 North 6th Street).  This “park and lock, pay on foot” garage operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With 612 parking spaces we encourage local employees to use this lot, rather than parking on the streets.

Enjoy your night on the town without worrying about your ride home.

ALLEGHENY AVENUE TO BE CLOSED FOR UP TO THREE WEEKS FOR REMOVAL OF CONRAIL BRIDGE

Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson announced today that construction work will begin Monday, May 7 on the Allegheny Avenue Railroad Bridge Removal Project. There will be a temporary vehicular closure along Allegheny Avenue from Monday, May 7 to Sunday, May 27. The following detours are scheduled to be in effect:

• Eastbound from Allegheny Avenue will be detoured north onto 5th Street, right onto Glenwood Avenue, right onto 2nd St, then left back onto Allegheny Avenue.
• Westbound from Allegheny Avenue will be detoured south onto 2nd Street, west onto Lehigh Avenue, and north onto 5th to Allegheny Avenue.

The temporary closure will allow for Conrail’s contractor to safely remove the railroad structure located just west of N. 3rd Street. Pedestrian access will be maintained along Allegheny, as well as local access to businesses and community services. If work is completed before May 27, the roadway may open earlier. For the duration of the work, crews will make every effort to minimize the inconvenience to affected drivers, residents and businesses. The Streets Department thanks citizens in advance for their patience and cooperation during this project.

If you have any questions about this or other street closures find the Streets Department on Facebook or Twitter.

Do you think Philadelphia should look into something similar?

Tell us what you think on Facebook!

Environmental Stewardship

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is committed to operating its facilities in an environmentally responsible manner so as to conserve the existing resources unique to the Airport and its environs.  Environmental Stewardship is factored not only into the Airport System’s daily operations, but also into plans for future development. In defining and applying sustainable design principles, PHL strives to address environmental issues early in the planning process, and has developed a number of initiatives to ensure appropriate development.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 20 percent of all automobile insurance claims are parking-related. It’s no wonder that one out of every three drivers feel it’s okay to “love-tap” the bumper of the car next to them while parking.

Being a safe driver doesn’t just mean being cautious while you’re on the road, it’s also knowing how to park safely. Executive director of International Parking Institute (IPI), Shawn Conrad explains,  “Being knowledgeable about parking is an essential and often undervalued part of being a good driver.”

Are you one of those drivers? If not, what do you think of those drivers that do “love tap” your car while parking?

Give us your Feedback on Facebook!

Notice to Proposers

Sealed proposals for the provision of summer and winter uniforms will be received until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2012, by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (“the Authority”), a body corporate and politic created under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in accordance with the Act of June 19, 2001, P.L.287, No. 22, as amended known as the “Parking Authority Law,” in the offices of the Authority, located at 3101 Market Street – 2^nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2807.

Copies of Proposal Documents and Specifications may be obtained from the offices of the Authority, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. prevailing time starting Monday, April 30, 2012 for a non-refundable fee of $50.00. Please make your check or money order payable to the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

A pre-proposal conference will be held in the offices of the Authority, 3101 Market Street – 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA, on Thursday, May 10, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. All vendors wishing to submit a proposal are required to attend the pre-proposal conference.

Always getting a ticket?

Do you ever wonder where Philadelphia’s traffic regulations come from or where you can find them?

The City’s website, has a link to the City Code and Charter. On their homepage, under the word “Transparency” you will find the link.

The Traffic Code is found in Chapter 12.  Here you will find the regulations for bicycles, parking meters, permit parking, and much more.

Be in the Know!

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

Sealed proposals to furnish Merchant Card Services will be received until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (“the Authority”), a body corporate and politic created under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in accordance with the Act of June 19, 2001, P.L. 287, No. 22, as amended, known as the “Parking Authority Law,” in the offices of the Authority, located at 3101 Market Street – 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2895.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority is requesting Proposals from qualified financial institutions to provide Merchant Card Services. The successful vendor will provide the equipment and connectivity needed for the Authority to accept credit cards at Point of Sale Terminals, through Revenue Control Equipment, over the Internet, and Pay by Phone in accordance with the specification, terms and conditions contained in this RFP.

Copies of Proposal Documents and Specifications may be obtained from the offices of the Authority, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. prevailing time, starting Friday, April 20, 2012. Documents may be purchased for a non-refundable fee of $100.00. Please make checks or money orders payable to the Philadelphia Parking Authority. An electronic version of the document my be obtained my contacting Serena Blanco at sblanco@philapark.org. Remember to include the project name in the subject line of your email.

A mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held in the offices of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, located at 3101 Market Street. The conference will take place on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. Any vendors wishing to submit a proposal is required to attend the pre-proposal conference.

The West Philadelphia Orchestra performs Eastern European music between 4 -6 p.m. on the first Monday in April, May, and June. If you’re more of a participator than a spectator, join in the yoga and pilates sessions hosted by Studio 34 every Thursday between 12 – 1 p.m. Or if you’re a foodie, look no further than the weekly farmer’s market, held between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. each Wednesday.

Connect with The University City District on Facebook and Twitter for updates on events at The Porch