TMACC and Growing Roots Launch Transportation Conversation Series at Chester County Farmers Markets
CHESTER COUNTY, PA — The Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC), in collaboration with Growing Roots Farmers Markets, launched its Breath Clean, Commute Green campaign with engaging pop-up events at the Malvern (May 10) and Downingtown (May 17) Farmers Markets. These activations marked the beginning of a new public engagement initiative focused on sustainable commuting, transportation equity, and the real-world experiences of navigating Chester County.
The events were a key part of TMACC’s Bike Month celebration, but their spirit extended far beyond a single month. They reflected a growing movement, a collective effort by community members, advocates, and partners who are working together to reimagine how we move through the region. When people gather with shared purpose, amazing things can happen. Conversations turn into action, ideas into partnerships, and individual choices into cultural momentum.
“This is about creating space for honest dialogue,” said TMACC Executive Director Tim Phelps. “We’re building something long-term here. Not just offering resources, but learning from the people who use (or can’t use) multimodal transit options every day.”
That spirit of open conversation came to life at TMACC’s recent market pop-ups, where the focus was on listening and connecting. Held at the Malvern and Downingtown Farmers Markets, these events provided a welcoming space for community members to stop by, share their experiences, and ask questions about carpooling through Share-A-Ride, regional transit funding, and traveling without a personal vehicle. Farmers markets naturally bring people together, and TMACC used that setting to gather input, offer guidance, and begin building stronger relationships. What emerged were real stories that added urgency, clarity, and heart to the broader conversation about transportation in Chester County.
Community Highlights:
- In Malvern, near enough to hear the trains arrive down Warren Street, a teen in high school stopped by after hearing concerns about possible service reductions on the Paoli-Thorndale Line. For him, the train is more than just transportation; it is his independence, connection, and access to school and social life. He reminded us that when we lose service, the consequences extend far beyond increased traffic — they ripple through daily routines, opportunities, and the sense of possibility for people at every stage of life. His concerns, rooted in his life experience, echoed the voices of many we spoke with that day.
- A retired postal worker reflected on the difficulty of navigating the county, particularly while managing mobility challenges. Her experience pointed to the importance of walkable environments, reliable paratransit, and stronger last-mile connections for aging residents.
- At the Downingtown Market, the presence of cyclists was unmistakable; with bikes rolling along the trail in Kerr Park and the formation of an impromptu parking lot as bikes leaned up against central pavilion. This scene highlighted the community’s appetite for better cycling infrastructure, underscoring the value of visible amenities and intentional design that encourages active modes of transportation.
“The questions people asked were so thoughtful,” said Justin Lytle, TMACC Project Coordinator. “How can I get to my job without driving? What options exist for my aging parent? What’s happening with rail service? That curiosity, that need for connection; that’s exactly why we’re doing this.”
These conversations affirmed a shared desire for practical, reliable, and inclusive mobility solutions. They also demonstrated the power of meeting people where they already are. This is just the first step in building accessible, connected places where people can move freely, belong, and thrive.
About Growing Roots
Since 2013, Growing Roots Partners has energized Chester County with three vibrant, producer-only markets in Malvern, Downingtown, and Eagleview. By bringing passionate farmers, artisans, and makers face-to-face with their community. GRP fuels local economies, champions sustainable practices, and ensures everyone can savor the freshest, healthiest fare straight from the source.
What’s Next:
TMACC’s Tune Up Your Commute series will continue throughout the summer and fall, expanding into more markets and deepening the transportation conversation with interactive tools, giveaways, and community-driven insights.
Upcoming Dates:
Catch TMACC and Growing Roots in Malvern and Downingtown on Saturday, August 16 & 23 and September 27 & October 4.
To learn more and explore local commuter resources, visit www.tmacc.org.
