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City of Philadelphia

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

Michael A. Nutter, Mayor
Douglas I. Oliver, Press Secretary
Office: 215-686-6210
Cell: 215 439-4655

Thursday, February 11, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, February 11, 2010 – Today, Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that Managing Director Camille C. Barnett has ended the snow emergency and that the City would operate as usual tomorrow, including all recreation centers, libraries and health centers.

To help Philadelphia area residents and businesses “Spread the Love” starting with the Valentine’s Day weekend, the City of Philadelphia has partnered with the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) and SEPTA to provide free or reduced-cost transportation options.

“I want to thank not only the 600 City workers who helped with the City’s snow removal efforts, but all Philadelphia residents who pitched-in and helped clear not only their sidewalks but their friends’ and neighbor’s. Getting through this storm took an enormous amount of coordination and cooperation,” said Mayor Nutter. “Now that all of this snow is clear, it is time to celebrate! I encourage everyone to take advantage of the special offers from SEPTA and the Parking Authority and come into the city to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved ones.”

As part of the City of Philadelphia’s “Spread the Love” promotion, the Philadelphia Parking Authority announced that beginning immediately and ending next Tuesday, the PPA will provide free metered parking throughout the city. PPA Executive Director Vince Fenerty stressed that “while all metered parking will be free throughout the city, the PPA will continue to enforce parking prohibitions in restricted safety zones, including handicapped spaces, bus zones and in front of fire hydrants.”

“The Philadelphia Parking Authority is committed to working with Mayor Nutter to help local merchants and residents get through the impact of the record snowfall, as well as celebrating Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Weekend,” Director Fenerty said.

Director Fenerty also announced that beginning Friday at 7 AM and running through next Tuesday, the first four hours of parking will be free, followed by a $3 per hour rate in the following center city garages;

AutoPark at JFK (16th & JFK)
AutoPark at Independence Mall (5th & Market)
AutoPark at Jefferson (10th & Ludlow)
AutoPark at Gallery Mall (10th & Filbert)
8th & Filbert
Old City at 2nd and Sansom
PPA Lots at:
8th & Vine
19th & Callowhill
15th & Arch

Beginning next Tuesday at 5 PM, through Friday, there will be a flat $5 per 12 hour rate for parking in the same garages. Beginning at next Saturday and running through Sunday, the first four hours of parking will be free, followed by a $3 per hour rate in the same garages.

Teaming with the PPA to help promote the City’s “Spread the Love” promotion for Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Weekend, SEPTA announced it own “Break Your Winter Blues” promotion by offering “Red Hot Sweetheart Deals” on its regional rail lines starting Friday, February 12 and running through Sunday, February 21, 2010. SEPTA fares are as follows:

Weekend Round Trip Fare

Add convenience and bargain pricing to the list of reasons to take SEPTA Regional Rail. Purchase a round trip ticket in advance or on board the train for one low price

• Also Good Weekday Evenings on Inbound Trains Arriving in Center City after 5:00 p.m.
• Receive Discount Pricing

$ 6.00 | Zone 1 or Zone 2 stations
$ 8.00 | Zone 3 stations
$ 9.00 | Zone 4 or Zone 5 stations
$15.00 | Zone 6 stations

• Parking Free at all surface parking lots at SEPTA Regional Rail Stations on Weekends

Market Frankford Line & Broad Street Line

Saturday, February 13/Sunday, February 14/Monday, February 15
Saturday, February 20/Sunday, February 21

• Special Weekend Fare – $1.00 each way (cash fare)

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