SEPTA's Transpass Controversy Takes Center Stage

Share this Story:

Activists with Riders Against Gender Exclusion (RAGE) are set to testify at SEPTA's Citizen's Advisory Committee this evening. I wrote
a story earlier this month on a growing movement against the gender stickers (which identify one as either "M" or "F") because of the their discriminatory effect -- bus drivers giving people the third degree as to whether they are "really" a man, woman, etc.

According to RAGE, a committee member will introduce a resolution opposing the gender stickers. I'll post more after the hearing. See the press release below.

•••
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: June 30, 2009

***RAGE Demands Transgender Equity From SEPTA Citizen's Advisory Committee***

Philadelphia, PA – Members of Riders Against Gender Exclusion (RAGE) will present testimony to SEPTA's Citizen Advisory Committee today. They'll demand an end to discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming people on SEPTA.

Currently, weekly and monthly TrailPasses and TransPasses are require an "M" or "F" sticker to represent a rider's gender. Many Philadelphians face harassment, economic hardship, and lack of access to public transportation due to this policy.

The SEPTA Citizen Advisory Committee, a majority of whose members were appointed by Mayor Nutter, acts as an independent representative and advocate on behalf of the users and potential users of public transportation in the five county region. A member of the committee will introduce a resolution to recommend to the SEPTA Board and SEPTA General Manager Joe Casey that the gender stickers be removed.

RAGE members will testify on behalf of this resolution and plan to publicly thank Committee members if it is passed and will protest if
it is not.

WHO: Riders Against Gender Exclusion (RAGE) members at SEPTA Citizen Advisory Committee

WHEN: Tuesday, June 30th from 5:45 to 6:45 PM

WHERE: 1234 Market Street, 8th floor conference room