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    1. Bus

    SEPTA’s Bus Revolution seeks public input

    Sept. 1, 2021
    Multiple events will gather feedback on ways to improve bus network.
    Related To: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
    SEPTA
    Screen Shot 2021 09 01 At 9 52 54 Am 612fa190cd9e0

    The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will host a series of in-person pop-up events and virtual meetings in September and October on Bus Revolution, the authority’s comprehensive redesign of the bus network. 

    Bus Revolution is a key initiative of SEPTA Forward, SEPTA’s Strategic Plan, and the authority’s efforts to revamp its service and better connect people across the region. 

    “Bus Revolution is more than just an update to bus routes. It is a holistic rethinking of how SEPTA’s bus network can be improved to meet 21st century travel needs and to make SEPTA services more attractive, simpler and easier to use. Together with ongoing SEPTA Forward initiatives, Bus Revolution is a game changing effort to proactively align transit services with the needs of a growing, changing and diverse region,” said Leslie Richards, general manager and CEO of SEPTA. 

    The outreach series will be an opportunity to share some preliminary project findings, engage in educational conversations, inform participants of the October launch of a public survey and to introduce a series of transit trade-offs. SEPTA will use the results of all this engagement and analysis 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. 

    In addition to the pop-up events, the Bus Revolution project team will present three virtual transit talks that will provide more detail on the project and offer more opportunities to participate in conversations and activities that will guide the creation of the new bus network. Recordings will be hosted on the project website and there will be a brief online activity for those who cannot attend. 

    “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 assistant general manager for planning. “Transit is the heart of what makes our region inclusive, sustainable and safe. 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. We’re excited to involve the Philadelphia community in this effort to remake one of our region’s greatest assets: the bus network.” 

    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. This project is another critical initiative of SEPTA Forward designed to help riders use SEPTA as one seamless, lifestyle transit network. Project information will be posted at rail transit stations and available on the SEPTA Planning website, with employees available to discuss the project and receive feedback.