Bus System Redesign Revealed in Philadelphia

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is tackling a redesign of the bus system serving the city of Philadelphia.

1 minute read

June 21, 2018, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


SEPTA Bus Transit

Tupungato / Shutterstock

"SEPTA issued a blueprint Thursday to revitalize its bus network in Philadelphia that’s suffering from slow service, shrinking ridership, and competition from ride share businesses," reports Jason Laughlin.

Laughlin reports that SEPTA is undertaking the system redesign with the help of Jarrett Walker, a Portland-based consultant who also worked on bus system redesigns in Houston, Columbus, and Anchorage.

Walker is quoted in the article saying that Philadelphia's system won't require as comprehensive an overhaul as implemented in Houston. "Most of the routes would likely not change, he said. About 70 percent of the current network was effectively designed to serve the needs of riders," writes Laughlin.

Two of Walker's talking points reported in the article include the need to increase frequencies on some lines while removing duplications on others.

Planetizen first picked up the news of SEPTA's intentions to redesign the bus system a year ago.

Thursday, June 21, 2018 in The Philadelphia Inquirer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Silhouette of man holding on to back of bicycle ridden by woman with Eiffel Tower in background.

Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution

The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.

April 14 - Momentum Magazine

Multifamily housing under construction.

Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas

Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.

April 14 - San Francisco Chronicle

Western coyote looking at camera in grassy field.

San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes

San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.

April 14 - Fox 5