About the YAC

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council | Operating Year 2015 | Annual Report view online at http://septayac.com

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report PAGE 1!

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! Table of Contents

About 1 Project & Initiative Work 12

Chair’s Welcome 2 Outreach Program & Travel Resources 13

Membership 3 YAC Rides SEPTA 18

Administrative 5 Smooth & Expand 19

Highlights 6 Student Fare Discount Program 20

Annual Operating Plan 7 YAC Publicity & Project Social 21

Document Reviews 8 Vision for The Future 23

Operating Budget 9 Financial Statements 24

Annual Service Plan 10 Additional Details 25

Capital Budget 11

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report!

Annual Report of the SEPTA Youth Advisory Council

Operating Year 2015 (8/21/2014 – 8/24/2015)

Document Prepared by Jeff Kessler, Executive Chair

Pursuant to SEPTA Youth Advisory Council By-laws Version 2 § IV.2.e

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report! About the YAC

The SEPTA Youth Advisory Council, commonly abbreviated as YAC, is the nation’s premiere transportation advocacy organization focused specifically on the 22-and-under demographic. Based in the Philadelphia area, the YAC was created by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in 2009 following a competitive regional search. Over the course of seven Operating Years, the YAC has greatly expanded its presence and role. It is in this capacity that the YAC focuses on achieving its dual mission of both advocating youth needs to SEPTA Leadership and representing those leaders to the youth community.

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report PAGE 1! About the YAC: Chair’s Welcome

Reflecting on the YAC’s accomplishments during the prior Operating Year, it is impossible to be anything but proud of the team’s efforts. This year in particular, however, the YAC made incredible progress. On the heels of the exceptionally- successful 2014 Operating Year, many questioned if the YAC could sustain continued growth and expansion of YAC initiatives. One need not look further than some of the accomplishment highlights to see this was the case.

From the time my official tenure as YAC Executive Chair began in August 2013, I have been remarkably proud to lead Jeffrey A. Kessler this organization and watch our members make the Executive Chair extraordinary happen to improve the lives of young people in this region. I look forward to maintaining our growth and continuing our work on long-term initiatives, notably the Student Fare Discount Program, during the 2016 Operating Year. I invite you to explore our efforts over the past Operating Year and get involved in the organization to continue the success. Together, we can make a difference.

PAGE 2 SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report ! About the YAC: Membership

Membership on the SEPTA Youth Advisory Council is open to individuals ages 14-22 with a passion for improving Public Transportation in the SEPTA Service Area. Applicants must reside, YAC Membership by Location & work, or attend school within Philadelphia, Primary Function Bucks, Chester, Delaware, or Montgomery Employed 11% Counties. Suburban High School 6% Applications are reviewed regularly and are Phila. High Philadelphia always accepted on the YAC’s website at School College 11% 44% http://septayac.com/join/. Prior to being accepted, prospective members are required to Suburban College attend a meeting in addition to undergoing a 28% rigorous and comprehensive interview.

The YAC is committed to maintaining a diverse board in many different respects: demographic, socioeconomic, geographic, and place of education.

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report PAGE 3! About the YAC: Membership

Executive Council Members:

Jeff Kessler | Executive Chair (Univ. of Pennsylvania) Will Herzog | Executive Vice-Chair (Great Valley High School) Anna Stepchin | Operation & Service Evaluation (Temple University) Alaric Qin | Director of Technology & Communication (Univ. of Pennsylvania) David Zamarin | Director of Outreach & Education (Masterman High School) Angela Kang | Secretary (Univ. of the Sciences)

Jacqueline Slaby (Bryn Mawr College) Rae Hamilton (Bryn Mawr College) Shannon Stussy (Bryn Mawr College) Hayley Burke (Bryn Mawr College) Jill Perry (Bryn Mawr College) Daniel Pulyk (Drexel University) Drequan Taylor (Community College of Phila.) Dana Case (Drexel University) Max Shein (Employed) Jonathan Tieu (Univ. of Pennsylvania) Gary Thomas (Employed) Haven Thompson (West Catholic Preparatory)

PAGE 4 SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report ! About the YAC: Administrative

Improving Logistics & Operations

The YAC undertook significant restructuring in 2014 to ensure a more fluid organization while maintaining centralized leadership of various specialties. As such, members were free to work on any initiative they saw fit, provided they discussed such initiative work with the director responsible for overseeing the specific competency. In addition to organizational improvements, the YAC also significantly revised our application process to ensure we can recruit a diverse array of talent across a variety of sectors. Improvements to applicant reviews, including a new interview process, makes for much better application decisions.

A Bittersweet Farewell

As a youth-based organization, members are only able to retain their YAC positions through the Operating Year in which they turn 23 years of age. This was the case for two YAC members, Anna Stepchin and Gary Thomas, both of whom served on the YAC for five years. Each devoted much time and effort to the YAC. Anna, having previously served as Secretary, a Director, and as Vice-Chair, spent her time overseeing a diverse array of initiatives across the entirety of the YAC. Gary was a very focused member of the YAC, regularly speaking with students at outreach events and sharing his SEPTA experiences with fellow members. Although we will miss both, we are incredibly proud of their contributions and look forward to following their bright future!

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report PAGE 5! Highlights of Accomplishments

Conducted Developed!New! Received!$1000!Grant!to! Comprehensive SEPTA! Outreach!Materials!&! Fund!New!Outreach! Budget/Planning! Customized!School! Technologies Document!Reviews Resources

Rode!Every!Mile!of! Organized!and!Attended! Submitted!82!MicroO SEPTA’s!Rail!and!Rapid! 44!Outreach!Events Reports Transit!System

Offered!Detailed! Designed!and! Featured!in!Metro! Commentary!on!5! Distributed!YAC!Student! Magazine,!Transit! Pressing!Agency! Fare!Program!Survey Industry!Publication Concerns

PAGE 6 SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report ! 2015 Annual Operating Plan

The Annual Operating Plan serves as the YAC's guiding framework Revised! each operating year. For OpYr2015, Outreach! the YAC set forth to work on six Program key projects to advance the YAC's Better!Youth! YAC!Rides! mission and goals. Over the course Travel! SEPTA of the past year, we are pleased to Resources have seen this evolve into seven unique initiatives through which Smooth!&! astounding progress has been YAC Publicity Expand made.

Student! More details as to initiative work Discounts are outlined in the remainder of this report.

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report PAGE 7! Document Reviews

Pursuant to its mission, the YAC undertook thorough reviews of SEPTA's FY2016 proposed core operating documents: their Capital Budget and Capital Program, their Operating Budget, and their Annual Service Plan. Reports were made publicly available on the YAC Website and were submitted to both SEPTA's Customer Service & Advocacy department as well as the respective department overseeing the document's creation. Further, recommendations were presented publicly at the Public Hearings and Open Houses of all three documents. Highlights of findings are detailed on subsequent pages.

PAGE 8 SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report ! Document Reviews: Operating Budget

•! Supported SEPTA's Total Funding of Weekend Late-Night Subway Operation

•! Rejected Lack of Funding for Police Text Message Program

•! Rejected Pass Limits in Current Fare Tariff Policies

•! Provided Service Improvement Guidelines for Upcoming Amtrak Capital Lease Negotiation

Photo!from!http://planphilly.com/uploads/media_items/septaOsOpublicOhearingsOonOtheO proposedOfareOincreasesOdrewOpackedOmeetingOroomsOthisOmonth.752.409.s.jpg!

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report PAGE 9! Document Reviews: Annual Service Plan

•! Supported Route 23 Modifications with Free Transfer Publicity, Trolley Track Maintenance, Scheduled Transfer Timing, and an Alternative Route Designation to Route 45

•! Supported Extension of Route 31 into Queen Village

•! Supported Route 53 Extension and Proposed Extending Further Eastward to Market-Frankford Line

•! Supported Route 119 Route Alternative and Proposed Primary Routing [Accepted by SEPTA]

•! Cautioned Against Route 128 Re-Routing due to Bensalem High School Service Elimination

•! Cautioned SEPTA to Revise Wording of Service Standard Amendment to Ensure the was “Served”

•! Advocated “Adopt-A-Station” Program for County Line NHSL Station to Combat Closure without Substantial Infrastructure Costs

•! Proposed Alternative “Snow Routes” Program to Combat Need for Route 55 Re-Routing

•! Fully Supported All Other Modifications affecting Routes 12, 25, 26, 40, 64, 73, 84, 98, 105, and 106

PAGE 10 SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report ! Document Reviews: Capital Budget

•! Supported Ample Funding of Bridge Replacement •! Noted the Need for Extension of Additional Trains Program (to Enhance System State of Good to Link Belt Station so as to make the Planned Repair) Lansdale 9th Street Station Lucrative

•! Cautioned Need for Avoiding Travel Time Increase •! Suggested Piloting Self-Cleaning Restrooms in with Route 101/102 Communications Based Train Stations to Enhance Passenger Amenities and Control (CBTC) System Implementation Minimize Operating Costs

•! Advocated Depot Expansion and Bus Fleet •! Emphasized Need for Dual-Mode Locomotives in Reallocation to Match Vehicle Storage Needs with Rail Fleet Procurement Capacity •! Made Strategic Recommendations regarding App •! Championed Establishing a SEPTA Key / Indego Developments, Targeting Youth Market Segment, Bike Share Integration and Human Capital Development

•! Reminded SEPTA of Need for Consistent Design •! Provided Additional Feedback RE: Vehicle Standards across Various Construction Projects Procurement, Bikes On Board, Addressing Trespassing, Willow Grove •! Pressed for Construction of a Parking Garage at the Marcus Hook, PA Train Station to Station Double-Tracking, and Accessibility at Accommodate Bi-State Overcrowding University City Transit Stops

•! Proposed Adding Bus Shelter Green Roofs to Further SEPTA’s Sustainability Effort

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report PAGE 11! Initiative & Project Work

Initiative & Project Work

PAGE 12 SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report ! Outreach Program & Better Youth Travel Resources

The 2015 Operating Year contained many Outreach & Resource developments and milestones. Most notably, the YAC was recognized by Youth Service America and selected to receive a $1000 grant to fund some of the organization’s unfunded development needs. Ultimately, this money went to support the YAC’s outreach efforts through the introduction of new technology for display at college outreach events.

New and Consistent YAC Branding

Over a year in the making, the YAC adopted a new logo this past June. Accordingly, the YAC was able to act upon many plans such as the procurement of two YAC Banners to use at outreach events and the ordering of YAC Polo Shirts such that members have a consistent appearance at events.

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report PAGE 13! Outreach Program & Better Youth Travel Resources

New Outreach Materials YAC Resources Page

The YAC remains committed to making SEPTA To help users navigate the complex world of easier for students, particularly through the SEPTA resources, the YAC created a “SEPTA development of useful resources. During this Resources” page on the YAC Website to help operating year, the first YAC School-Specific users find exactly the information they are Transit Guides were published to much acclaim seeking. Since all materials are maintained by the initial schools (who have already planned directly on the source server (such as SEPTA’s to distribute them to their students). own website), materials automatically reflect updates made on external sites.

PAGE 14 SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report ! Outreach Program & Better Youth Travel Resources

New Outreach Plan

Historically, the YAC had no distinct presence at outreach events compared to that of regular SEPTA Ambassadors. Not only has the YAC differentiated itself through the new banner and attire, the materials provided at YAC events are also unique to our organization.

Gone are the hundreds of discarded brochures and pamphlets. Instead, a new one-page information sheet (1) provides guests with basic information about SEPTA, (2) details where one can access more information and/or help online, and (3) offers some background as to the YAC. Further, using the YSA Grant Funds, the YAC was able to purchase various tech accessories (including a smartphone and tablet) to demo smartphone navigation aids and web resources.

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report PAGE 15! Outreach Program & Better Youth Travel Resources

Hands-On Outreach Tours

A first for the YAC, the organization was able to schedule two system tours: one as an extension of a campus orientation and another for a local university’s Operations/Logistics club. Both were given the opportunity to ride short distances on four SEPTA modes within Center City Philadelphia and were given a tour of the SEPTA Control Center. Additionally, students on the campus orientation tour had the opportunity to hear from SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel III on SEPTA Safety and Security initiatives.

SEPTA’s George Spellman Shows Live Dispatching Chief Nestel Demos SEPTA’s Central Security Desk

PAGE 16 SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report ! Outreach Program & Better Youth Travel Resources

New Outreach Technologies Outreach Events

In September 2014, the YAC was recognized by The core of the YAC’s outreach efforts, the YAC Youth Service America for our efforts to improve attends many college orientation events to the lives of Philadelphia Area Youth. provide new students with transit information Accordingly, the YAC was awarded a $1000 from trusted, likeminded professionals. grant to fund Outreach and Service Evaluation initiatives. Thus far, approximately half of the This Operating Year, the funds were used to purchase technological additions for showcasing transit tools and YAC organized and spoke at

navigational apps at outreach events.

44 Outreach Events

Figure includes events from Calendar Year 2014’s Outreach Season (late August and early September 2014) and Calendar Year 2015 ‘s Outreach Season (June, July, and early August, 2015).

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report PAGE 17! YAC Rides SEPTA

As the official representatives of the 22- YAC*Rides*SEPTA*System*Coverage and-under community across Philadelphia,

Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery REGIONAL!RAIL 100% Counties, the YAC undertook an incredibly SUBWAY/TROLLEY 100% ambitious project — one many considered impossible — to ride the vast majority of CITY!BUS 67% the SEPTA System during the Operating SUBURBAN!BUS 33%

Year. We are pleased to report that our 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% organization has collectively ridden the entirety of the 280-mile Regional Rail network, two-thirds of SEPTA’s City Transit The YAC has ridden Division bus routes, one-third of SEPTA’s every mile of the Suburban Transit Division bus routes, and Regional Rail & Transit every Daytime Subway/Elevated Line, Owl System. If it’s anywhere Subway/Elevated Line, City Trolley, on the map at left, we’ve ridden there! Suburban Trolley, Norristown High-Speed Line, and Subway/Elevated Owl Bus line.

PAGE 18 SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report ! Smooth & Expand

A large part of the YAC’s efforts involve improving day-to-day service for passengers, focusing particularly on the 22-and-under demographic. The YAC pursues this through two channels. First, the YAC makes a regular effort to report and have corrected any concerns from the day-to-day customer perspective via SEPTA’s Veritas Ticketing and Reporting system. There, the YAC is not only able to report issues to SEPTA, but also follow-up and review the agency’s actions to ensure concerns were addressed. Additionally, the YAC also submits more detailed written reports to SEPTA Leadership about miscellaneous concerns.

Detailed Feedback Offered YAC*Micro@Reports*Logged*in* SEPTA*"Veritas"*System •! Bi-Level Coach Procurement Report •! Updated Philadelphia Bus Shelter 2 6 7 Enhancement Report Observation •! Papal Ticket Sale Distribution Commendation Recommendations Suggestion •! Lansdale 9th Street Station Construction Other Hearing Commentary 69 •! Norristown High Speed Line King of Prussia Extension Public Hearing/Workshop

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report PAGE 19! Student Fare Discount Program

One of the YAC’s more long-term initiatives, the Student Fare Discount Program aims to offer passes to schools at substantial discounts in exchange for a total-school purchase, thereby providing students with an incredible discount on passes and the opportunity to apply financial aid towards commuting costs. Simultaneously, this provides a substantial revenue boost to SEPTA and helps develop lifetime choice riders, thereby maximizing CLV. Basic financial model assessments have confirmed these revenue projections, and will further be evaluated during the 2016 Operating Year.

In addition to the financial analysis, a survey was created and distributed to all higher education institutions in the SEPTA Service Area. Responses thus far have been largely positive, although full assessment is planned to occur during the 2016 Operating Year.

The YAC has also served as a key strategic partner with SEPTA on deployment of New Payment Technologies (now known as “SEPTA Key”) since the public expansion of project planning in July 2013. Technical challenges delayed SEPTA’s launch of the new system, despite YAC readiness to support. As such, the YAC eagerly awaits the opportunity to test and assist with the platform roll-out during the 2016 Operating Year.

PAGE 20 SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report ! YAC Publicity & Project Social

One of the YAC’s focuses this year was to make our efforts more publicly known, such that those within our representative demographic were more likely to know about the existence of a dedicated channel for addressing youth concerns. Although this initiative was delayed due to the lengthy logo design/adoption process, the YAC still made numerous efforts to have our voice and work more publicly available. This included:

•! Engaging with Additional Users on Social •! Engaging with the Public at the Philadelphia Media Platforms (incl. Twitter and Facebook) Stand Up for Transit Rally and Providing

•! Holding the February YAC Plenary Meeting at Informational Materials About the YAC Bryn Mawr College to Ease Public Access

•! Providing Commentary to The Daily Pennsylvanian, the University of Pennsylvania’s Student Newspaper

•! Participating in the SEPTA Press Events of the Jefferson Station Renaming, Dillworth Park Station Opening, 69th Street West Groundbreaking,

Groundbreaking, and SEPTA Rail Rodeo YAC “Standing Up” at the Stand Up for Transportation Kickoff

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report PAGE 21! YAC Publicity & Project Social

Media Highlights

This year, the YAC was featured in Metro Magazine, a transportation industry publication. The article highlighted the YAC’s unique role, the group’s efforts, and the value the organization delivers to the SEPTA General Management team:

“The group’s insight and contributions have been very helpful to the authority.”

– Joe Casey, SEPTA General Manager

“The YAC was the first advisory council to not only make a presentation to the General Manager’s executive staff, but be invited back for a follow-up.”

– Jeff Kessler, SEPTA YAC Executive Chair

PAGE 22 SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report ! Vision for The Future

The YAC is dedicated to continuing our exceptional progress and remaining a pioneer in youth transportation groups throughout the duration of the upcoming 2016 Operating Year. Along with our passion for innovation, the YAC System! Information!&! has already begun utilizing new communication Improvement Materials tools to further enhance the organization's cohesiveness and collective productivity despite only holding monthly in-person meetings.

YAC!Efforts For the year ahead, the YAC is committed to forging ahead and strengthening our efforts in four essential sectors (listed at right). By focusing Youth! SEPTA!–YAC! all efforts around these four sectors, the YAC will Outreach! Partnership be able to ensure all efforts are aligned with our Connections mission and goals. Although this model is merely a framework, it serves as the foundation for the YAC’s growth, taking us to new heights over the next year and well into the future.

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report PAGE 23 ! Financial Statements

Income Statement of the Balance Sheet of the SEPTA Youth Advisory Council SEPTA Youth Advisory Council

August 21, 2014 to August 24, 2015 August 24, 2015

Grants%Received% %$1,000.00%% Cash% % %$772.03%% Gains%on%Trade% %$30.00%% PPE% % %$152.80%% Total&Revenues& &$1,030.00&& Warranties% % %$3.00%% & Total&Assets& & &$927.83&& Sales%Tax%Expense% %$19.65%% & Depreciation%Expense% %$144.00%% Accounts%Payable% %$61.48%% Total&Expenses& &$163.65&& Total&Liabilities& &$61.48&& & & Net&Income& &$866.35&& Retained%Earnings% %$866.35%% Total&Equity& & &$866.35&&

The SEPTA Youth Advisory Council qualifies as a tax-exempt nonprofit under IRS Code 508(c)(1)(b). Our Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 47-4069303.

PAGE 24 SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report ! Additional Details

More information about the YAC Monthly Plenary Meetings can be found on our website, Operating Year 2015 Dates http://septayac.com. 8/21/14, 9/26/14, 10/29/14, 11/24/14,

12/15/14, 1/21/15, 2/27/15, 3/25/15, 4/30/15, Have a question, comment, or concern? 5/19/15, 6/23/15, 7/28/15, 8/24/15 The YAC is always ready to assist.

email: [email protected] Recordings of Plenary Meetings, which are twitter: @septayac open to the public, can be accessed from facebook.com/septayac http://youtube.com/septayac.

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council 1234 Market St., Floor 10 Media Requests: Please include [Media] in c/o SEPTA Customer Service the subject line of any correspondence. Philadelphia, PA 19107

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council Operating Year 2015 Annual Report PAGE 25!

SEPTA Youth Advisory Council | Operating Year 2015 | Annual Report

Connect with us http://septayac.com | @septayac | facebook.com/septayac

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