The plan, which looks more than two decades into the future, seeks to modernize the city's transit system, address inequities, and improve regional connectivity.

Philadelphia officials unveiled an ambitious 24-year plan for the city's transit system that "aims to improve the system while addressing long-standing racial inequities through a redesigned bus network and Regional Rail service, modernized trolleys, and increased accessibility across the system." The plan, reports Darryl C. Murphy for WHYY, includes both current projects and "aspirational" but as-yet-unfunded ideas.
Philadelphia Deputy Managing Director for Transportation Michael Carroll said the plan "will help the city and [the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority] compete for federal grants and align projects in a challenging post-pandemic economic landscape" while addressing the legacy of historical inequities in the city's transportation policies. "For instance, residents of color face commutes that are on average 12 minutes longer than white residents," and low-income commuters spend more on transit "because of transfer fees and connectivity challenges in neighborhoods outside of the city’s downtown core," writes Murphy. A restructured fare plan introduced by SEPTA last year seeks to address these issues and make the system more affordable.
"The plan unveiled Monday includes 30 corridors for improvements such as bus lanes, transit priority signals, and boarding islands to speed up bus service as options" and highlights the importance of Regional Rail. "This isn’t just about connecting suburban commuters downtown. More than 40% of Philadelphians work outside of the city," says City Councilmember Cherelle Parker in the article. The plan, which involved collaboration from multiple agencies and community groups, could signal a new level of regional cooperation.
FULL STORY: Faster buses, more Regional Rail, modern trolleys: Philly’s transit plan takes system to 2045

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie