Regional transit agency SEPTA plans to streamline its service by replacing some suburban bus routes with on-demand transit.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has announced plans to revamp its regional transit system, eliminating some underperforming bus routes and improving service on more well-used lines.
As Emily Rizzo reports for WHYY, “SEPTA also wants to do away with bus routes in ten suburban communities and replace them with a whole new mode of public transit. Microtransit would be mobile, on-demand services that riders can request by phone call or a new SEPTA app — which is still in the works.” SEPTA is relying on on-demand microtransit to supplement the system overhaul and replace inefficient bus routes.
The changes could mean more transfers or increased travel time for some commuters, but could also yield more reliable and efficient service, according to the agency. “The plan has received pushback in places that are losing some local routes, like Philadelphia’s Manayunk area, and in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County.” Critics also express concern that the new service will exclude people with disabilities and elderly people who may have trouble accessing the technology.
After gathering public input, the agency plans to implement the changes in late 2023.
FULL STORY: A look into SEPTA’s new transit systems proposed for the Philadelphia suburbs

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

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

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

Philadelphia Launches ‘Speed Slots’ Traffic Calming Pilot
The project focuses on a 1.4-mile stretch of Lincoln Drive where cars frequently drive above the posted speed limit.

NYC Delivery ‘Microhubs’ Aim to Cut Down on Truck Pollution
The hubs are designed to provide parking for large delivery trucks, which can pass on their cargo to bikes or other zero-emission vehicles.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico
An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions