Philadelphia wants its city workers back in the office, but getting there may be a challenge.
With the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) facing a $240 million budget deficit, will Philadelphia’s municipal workers have access to reliable public transit as the city demands a return to the office?
“Philadelphia’s transit system is in as tough a spot as any. The system’s buses, subways, trolleys and commuter trains still provide critical service to regional workers,” writes Jared Brey in Governing. Meanwhile, city workers are expected to go to the office five days a week, Yet the agency announced a hiring freeze and service cuts that could impact as much as 20 percent of the system and extend headways to one hour.
While some legislators have proposed alternate funding mechanisms, “lawmakers won’t have much time to strike a deal before SEPTA and other transit systems will need to start implementing service cuts and fare hikes. If that happens, advocates say it will leave riders stranded, stifle the recovery of the city’s downtown and office sector, and cause logistical challenges for big events such as the World Cup and the nation's 250th Independence Day celebration in 2026.”
FULL STORY: Philadelphia Demands City Workers Return to the Office. Can They Get There?
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.
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.
SEPTA Awarded $153 Million to Stave Off Fare Hikes
Philadelphia’s struggling transit system will be able to delay a 30 percent fare raise, but the temporary fix won't do nearly enough to close its budget gap.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
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