The Philadelphia Inquirer highlights our transportation program – a lifeline that helps families overcome distance, cost, and transportation barriers so they can stay connected with loved ones during incarceration.
Read the story: www.inquirer.com/crime/philadelphia-prison-society-bus-program-at-risk-20260511.html-2?query=bus
The COVID-19 pandemic paused in-person visits and our bus trips, but we partially relaunched the program this year with strong ridership. Continued funding is essential to keep it going and growing it further.
Here’s how you can help:
Please contact your senator today and urge them to help keep families connected.
- Find your senator by visiting: www.palegis.us/senate/members. Find your state representative by visiting: www.palegis.us/house/members
- Scroll down to find your state representative or senator
- Call or email them TODAY and urge them to FUND transportation. You can use this script:
You can use this script:
Hello, my name is ________ and I am a constituent in your district. I am contacting you today to urge you to support funding for the Pennsylvania Prison Society’s transportation program, which helps families maintain connection through in-person visits with incarcerated loved ones. Regular visits strengthen families, support safer prison environments, and have been shown to reduce recidivism.
Many families face significant barriers getting to visits, including distance, cost, and lack of reliable transportation. Nearly 75% of people in prison and their families live in poverty, and many households do not own a car. Visiting can require hours of travel and can cost over $300 when lodging is needed.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Why our transportation program matters
Distance, cost, and transportation are major barriers
Nearly 75% of people in prison and their families live in poverty, and almost half of households below the poverty line don’t own a car. Public transit to prisons often requires multiple transfers and hours of travel. A single visit can cost over $300 with lodging.
Connection reduces recidivism
People who do not receive regular visits have a 62.4% recidivism rate within three years. In-person visits can reduce recidivism by up to 20 percentage points.
Visits strengthen families and safety
Regular family contact supports safer prison environments, and helps maintain critical emotional and practical support during reentry.
Learn more about upcoming trips and ticketing on our website.
