Recently, a sign was photographed in Philadelphia that was dubbed “The most inconvenient setup ever” in regard to entering the platform on 30th Street Station. Here, maintenance works were being done, and the sign read this: “Alternate accessibility options: Track 1 & 2 Platform – If this elevator is out of service and you require accessible access to the station: Tack train on this platform to Suburban Station. Exit train to track 3 and 4 and take any train back to 30th St Station.”

In other words, if you couldn’t access the elevator or stairs then the only option to access the 30th Street Station would be to get on a completely different train to a different station, then return via the Suburban Station. This is the equivalent of driving miles around your neighborhood to enter your backyard if your front door was locked. In short, it’s a huge inconvenience and understandably, people aren’t happy.

Philadelphia locals took to social media to berate the sign and point out its floors. Here, one person said: “Philadelphia, one of America’s most walk-able cities! Can’t walk? Eat dust!” while another agreed, adding: “I feel like this is newsworthy, I can’t believe somebody actually made this sign. This is the state of transit in America, and we’re one of the most transitable cities in America. Truly ruined.”

Not only is this move highly unprofessional, but it’s also discriminatory against those who cannot walk and you would think that in this day and age, SEPTA would be able to sort something out. On a brighter note, hopefully this image will spark a much-needed change. However, we won’t bank on it and sadly it’s likely that nothing will get done.