New Film, Set on a Philly Bus, Celebrates the Magic of the Latino Community

The Latino community gathers on a bus, and joy ensues, in the new short film "La Guagua 47."

1 minute read

September 15, 2022, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Could not retrieve the remote URL (https://fb.watch/fxN4FTthdv/).

A new short film, La Guagua 47, provides a portrait of the Latino community in Philadelphia by documenting a transformative ride on a SEPTA bus.

According to an article by Bibiana Correa, filmmaker Alba Martínez created the film as a loving portrait of the Latino community in Philadelphia, and the magic and joy they achieve when they come together.

The film “follows a young Latina migrant who is new to Philly and discovers community as she takes SEPTA’s 47 bus route through the city,” writes Correa. According to Correa, the film came about through a collaboration between the filmmaker, SEPTA, and Al Día for the Aborrdo SEPTA program.

The filmmaker hopes the film will resonate with a larger audience (such as, this writer suggests, transit riders of any race, who have expressed repeatedly over the years that community is part of the reason they love to ride transit).

The short film is set to debut at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on September 15 — the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Wednesday, September 14, 2022 in WHYY

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

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City