PHLASH To Return For 2013 Tourist Season
PHILADELPHIA, May 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With the height of tourist activity in the region approaching, the Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC) is excited to launch operations of the PHLASH Downtown Loop on Friday, May 10. This is the second consecutive year the IVCC has overseen the management of this seasonal transit program.
Through the support of the City of Philadelphia, Center City District, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Zoo, Please Touch Museum®, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, Eastern State Penitentiary, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC), Reading Terminal Market and many area hospitality leaders, PHLASH operations have continued for another season.
"This is an invaluable amenity for our visitors and locals alike. It is the quickest and most convenient way to travel from the Historic District, to the Parkway Museums District, to the Zoo and Please Touch Museum®. It puts everything Philadelphia has to offer within reach," said James J. Cuorato, President and CEO of the IVCC. "We are pleased with the efforts of our partners to keep the PHLASH running and look forward to another successful season."
Starting May 10, the PHLASH begins a weekend service on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Beginning on Friday, May 24 of Memorial Day weekend, PHLASH will run seven days a week through Labor Day. PHLASH service in September and October will return to weekend service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (PHLASH will operate on Columbus Day, October 14) with operations ending on October 27. The hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with service every 15 minutes. The PHLASH will make 19 stops between Penn's Landing, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Please Touch Museum® and Philadelphia Zoo.
The Philadelphia Zoo and Please Touch Museum® transfer loop will provide service every 15 minutes departing from the Philadelphia Museum of Art between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. For a map and full listing of PHLASH stops, visit www.phillyPHLASH.com.
New for 2013, PHLASH will now offer a new mobile site accessible from any browser and smartphone that allows riders to see the stop nearest their location and when the next vehicle is scheduled to arrive. The site was developed by nvigor, a student-led organization focused on connecting students to industry and demonstrating talent in the form of new products, new designs, and new ideas. nvigor is proud to contribute to the enrichment of the Philadelphia experience.
Brought together thanks to the Open Access Philly movement, nvigor, the Independence Visitor Center Corporation, and Code for Philly have been extremely productive in collaborating and supporting each other on this project. Led by nvigor's co-founders Abhiroop Das and Dias Gotama and supported by Drexel students Daniel Lamando and Ariel Kirkwood, the PHLASH mobile site team is a testament to the efforts and eagerness of Philly students in making a brand for the young talent pool of Philadelphia, and displaying how young people can move the city forward into the cross-sections of modern technology, culture, and collaboration.
"We believe that this kind of cross-organization collaboration is the reason why Philadelphia is a unique city," states Gotama. "We are looking forward to collaborating with other organizations as well for a better Philadelphia."
PHLASH remains the inexpensive and easy way to see Philadelphia's numerous attractions, with fares at just $2 per single ride. Children 4 and under and seniors ride free, and use of the SEPTA TrailPass, TransPass, One Day Independence Pass or Family One Day Independence Pass will be honored. PHLASH ticket sales are available at all Visitor Center locations including the Independence Visitor Center (6th & Market Streets), Sister Cities Park Cafe & Visitor Center (18th & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway), Fairmount Park Welcome Center at Love Park (16th & John F. Kennedy Boulevard) and the City Hall Visitor Center (City Hall, Room 121).
The PHLASH Park and Ride also provides discounted parking at select Philadelphia Parking Authority managed garages, including the Independence Mall garage located below the Independence Visitor Center (entrances located on 5th and 6th streets between Arch and Market streets).
The PHLASH Downtown Loop seasonal transit program is managed by the Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC). PHLASH vehicle service is provided by Philadelphia Trolley Works. For more information about the PHLASH, visit www.phillyPHLASH.com. For information about the IVCC, visit www.PHLvisitorcenter.com
SOURCE Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC)
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