You know you love the humble pineapple when you begin your local transit welcome message with an ode to it. I mean, that’s really the only explanation I’ve got for it.
In case you can’t read it, the welcome page of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (serving Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties!) begins thusly, emphasis mine:
Since the 17th Century, the exotic pineapple has been associated with warmth and friendliness and is long recognized as a symbol of hospitality. We welcome you to Philadelphia and invite you to use our public transit services to make the most of your visit. Philadelphia is known for its world class attractions, history, culture, dining, and shopping destinations. So sit back and let SEPTA be your personal tour guide.
SEPTA offers a vast option of transit services, including buses, trolleys, trackless trolleys, subways, and Regional Rail (our commuter rail).
Hop aboard and experience the treasures Philadelphia has to share.
Take advantage of our best travel value and purchase an Individual or Family Independence Pass. Both provide unlimited travel on SEPTA services for one whole day, for one low fare.
And that’s it. I don’t know what’s going on there, either. I’ve never really taken a ride on the trains of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, so I can’t say for certain whether or not all the train are actually made of pineapple, or if maybe the seats are pineapple-flavored, or if there’s some sort of bizarre Philadelphia law which states that all public government announcements must hail the wonders of the pineapple.
“THE PINEAPPLE IS THE GREATEST FRUIT,” all Philadelphia city council meetings begin, I imagine. “EXALT THE PINEAPPLE, WHICH IS NOT ONE FRUIT, BUT IS ACTUALLY MULTIPLE BERRIES COALESCED TOGETHER.”
I can say that I, too, like me the occasional pineapple.
Maybe Philly is onto something?
h/t to r/Philadelphia, which I imagine also loves pineapples.
Contact the author at ballaban@jalopnik.com.
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