Hey all

Media Mobilizing Project, Temple School of Communications and Theatre and a bunch of co-sponsors are hosting a public forum on the future of Philly WiFi on June 3rd at Temple. The forum will host a diverse panel of speakers, while including an open space for participants to speak about the future of the wireless Internet initiative

Under Earthlink's management, Philadelphia's wireless network has faced both technical and customer service challenges, weakening public engagement. Now is a vital time to reignite the discussion about the wireless network as Earthlink officials have announced their intention to sell or transfer the 135-square mile network. With new ownership on the horizon, a renewed opportunity exists for Philadelphia's WiFi initiative to serve as a national model for community media. The promise of a city where everyone has the potential to be connected, opens new doors for economic, social and political participation.

I hope folks as part of this online community can begin to see the possibility of a well functioning wireless network and consider engaging the process. Who knows it may even broaden the number of users on Philly Future.

Hey all, please come out on Monday and support the Taxi Workers Alliance at the PPA board meeting.
Check out the audio and video clips the Media Mobilizing Project produced below which explain the action.

Video: Drivers Demand Accountability
Audio: Announcement of Monday Action

Where: Philadephia Parking Authority Headquarters 3101 Market Street
When: Monday February 25th at 11am

Why: The Taxi Workers Alliance of Pennsylvania (TWA) is calling drivers and concerned citizens to the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) Board Meeting at 3101 Market Street. The cabdrivers are attending the board meeting to demand that the PPA live up to its promise of removing the failing GPS systems from city cabs. One month ago, on January 23rd the PPA warned the private contractor, Veriphone Transportation Systems, that they have one month to get the failing GPS systems to work properly in city cabs. Drivers claim that in the last month the GPS systems have not improved; continually malfunctioning and at times shutting down altogether. The problems with the GPS systems have left the cities cab dispatching system in tatters, forcing drivers to lose money and consumers to have a more difficult time finding cabs, particularly outside of Center City. President of TWA Ronald Blount explains "this is even worse as drivers subsidize the GPS system paying $18 a month."

In conjunction with the GPS systems, the TWA is also demanding that the PPA not assign dramatic meter increases in cab fares. TWA members explain that these exorbitant rises will be accompanied by higher cab rental fees for drivers. Drivers believe this is a problem because as Blount explains, " when Septa fares go up, ridership decreases... it is the same with cab drivers, and the rise in cab fares is ultimately going to hurt drivers and make it more difficult to put food on the table."

Please join TWA members on Monday February 25th at 11AM to insist that the PPA treat Philadelphia's taxi drivers fairly both by eliminating a troubled GPS system and not adding meter increases which will ultimately make it difficult for drivers to make ends meet.

Press Contact:
Ronald Blount- Taxi Workers Alliance PA
215.279.0472
blount86@aol.com