Septa seeks public input to improve city’s bus network

For every Philadelphian who has something to say about taking the bus—now’s your chance.

Throughout September and October, Septa is hosting a series of in person pop-up events and virtual meetings on Bus Revolution, a comprehensive redesign of the city’s bus network. 

“The Bus Revolution starts and ends with the people of Greater Philadelphia. That’s why it’s critical we hear from everyone—current riders, potential riders, and non-riders—about why the current bus network does or doesn’t work for them,” said Jody Holton, SEPTA’s Assistant General Manager for Planning, in a statement.

Septa plans to use the results of this initiative to inform changes to the bus network. This is the first of multiple public participation phases of the Bus Revolution project, which started in 2021 and will result in implementation of a new bus network in 2023.  

Each Bus Revolution in-person pop-up event will be held outside and staffed by Septa and project team members who will engage in conversations with riders. COVID-19 precautions will be taken throughout the pop-ups.

Future pop-up events include: Sept. 10, from 3-6 p.m. at Frankford Transportation Center; Sept. 12, from 2-5 p.m. at 52nd and Market streets; Sept. 15, from 8-11 a.m. at Chester Transportation Center; Sept. 21, from 4-7 p.m. at Norristown Transportation Center; Sept. 23, from 8-11 a.m. at Olney Transportation Center; Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at JFK Boulevard and 15th Street (Municipal Services Building); Oct. 7, from 2-5 p.m. at Broad Street and Oregon Avenue (Marconi Plaza); Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Torresdale and Cottman Loop; Oct. 16, from noon to 3 p.m. at Frankford Transportation Center; Oct. 19, from 4-7 p.m. at Cheltenham and Ogontz Loop; and Oct. 21, from 3-6 p.m. at Darby Transportation Center. 

The Bus Revolution project team will also present three virtual “Transit Talks” that will provide more detail on the project and offer opportunities to participate in conversations and activities that will guide the creation of the new bus network. The Transit Talks will be held on Sept. 9 and Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. with another to be held in October. Recordings will be hosted on the project website and there will be a brief online activity for those who cannot attend the pop-ups or Transit Talks. 

“Transit is the heart of what makes our region inclusive, sustainable and safe,” said Holton. “A holistic redesign of our bus network guided by input from Greater Philadelphians themselves is key to creating a seamless, lifestyle transit network that serves 21st Century travel needs.”  

Simultaneous to Bus Revolution, SEPTA’S Rail Transit Wayfinding Master Plan will share proposed improvements to station signage and the system map starting on Sept. 7. Project information will be posted at Rail Transit stations and available on the Septa Planning website.

For information on Bus Revolution, visit SEPTAbusRevolution.com.