City Council’s (100% taxpayer funded) cars
While many of our City Council representatives have been vocal about SEPTA funding recently, it’s good to remember that pretty much all of them drive their taxpayer-supplied cars to City Hall and don’t actually ride SEPTA regularly (or ever, unless there’s a photo opportunity).
Below is the spreadsheet the City provided me in response to a RTKL request for all documents reflecting the cost of these cars: how much the vehicle cost, how much fuel they use, and maintenance costs. The expenses are from 1/1/24 to present.
Who got new cars in 2025?
Councilmember Isiah Thomas is driving a new $55k vehicle.
Councilmember Gilmore Richardson also has a new $55k vehicle.
Council President Johnson got a replacement vehicle in 2024, at a mind-boggling cost of $72k!!
CM Squilla used to be a real one who refused the car, but he is now driving a $52k vehicle.
CM Rue Landau got a replacement vehicle in 2025, but it appears to be a downsize from something that cost $41k to a more sensible $30k vehicle.
Who’s driving the most?
CM Curtis Jones used the most: 1,749 gallons.
CM Kendra Brooks burned through 1,347 gallons of gas.
Council President Johnson also exceeded 1k, using 1,067.
Brian O’Neill used the least: 371 gallons.