SEPTA will host a virtual “Transit Talk” on Tuesday, April 19, to inform the public about two options being considered for the redesign of the bus network. The session will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and anyone interested can sign up at septabusrevolution.com.
The release of the options, which will be detailed during meeting, marks Phase 2 of Bus Revolution, an ongoing effort to revamp SEPTA’s bus service and better connect people across the region. Feedback from the public on these two options will be gathered through the spring and will help shape the future of the bus network. For ways to offer feedback, visit septabusrevolution.com/get-involved.
“The redesign of our bus network is an extraordinary opportunity to make transit more useful for more people,” said SEPTA General Manager and CEO Leslie S. Richards in a joint statement. “Both of these options build toward the SEPTA Forward vision of a lifestyle transit network that will offer frequent, all-day service to destinations across the city and region.”
The two options are based on extensive public feedback—including thousands of survey results, pop-up events and virtual public meetings—and a comprehensive analysis of the current bus network and transit demand.
Both options feature a simplified network with more frequent routes. Option 1 is more streamlined and includes an expansive frequent network, including weekends. Option 2 is similar to the current network, with a smaller frequent network and more low frequency coverage service. Both options introduce microtransit (flexible, on-demand transit service operated with smaller vehicles) to provide more reliable service in low density parts of the region.
Following public feedback, SEPTA will release an updated plan later this year. There will then be opportunity for additional feedback before implementation of the new bus network, planned for fall 2023.
“Public transit increases equity and access to opportunity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and traffic fatalities. Updating our bus network to work better for everyone is how we deliver those benefits,” SEPTA Assistant General Manager, Planning and Strategy Jody Holton said in a statement. “We look forward to receiving public feedback on these two options to ensure that we are designing a network that best serves the region’s changing travel needs.”
Bus Revolution is now midway through its three-year process. Phase 1—launched in Spring 2021—focused on understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current bus system. Phase 2 focused on presenting the two network options and collecting public feedback that will inform the design of the draft recommended network. Phase 3—sharing the final recommended network redesign for public feedback—will begin this fall.
For details on SEPTA Forward initiatives, visit planning.septa.org. For information about Bus Revolution, visit busrevolution.com/reports.
