The digital displays will finally let riders know when the next train is coming.
Philadelphia transit riders will soon see some ‘new’ technology at SEPTA stations: countdown clocks showing when the next train is arriving. Thomas Fitzgerald, writing in the Philadelphia Inquirer, explains that prior plans to install digital arrival signs were put on hold in 2020 after a malware attack.
“After a brief trial period at 13th Street to make sure the software is communicating accurate information from the signal system that tracks the location of the trains, SEPTA will wire up the other stations on the El.” The clocks will eventually be installed at Regional Rail stations as well.
According to Fitzgerald, “SEPTA has a $35 million contract with Alstom, a multinational manufacturer based in France that builds trains, railroad signaling systems, and digital mobility software, to modernize its communications with riders.”
FULL STORY: Countdown clocks are coming to SEPTA subways this spring
Philadelphia Could Lose Free Transit Program
The city’s upcoming budget doesn’t include the Zero Fare program, which offers free SEPTA fare to more than 24,000 residents.
Why Philly’s SEPTA Faces a ‘Death Spiral’
The state has not offered a sustainable source of funding to meet the transit agency’s $240 million budget gap.
SEPTA Faces Service Cuts
Philadelphia wants its city workers back in the office, but getting there may be a challenge.
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.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service