Philadelphia Councilmember Proposes Transit Access Fund

The plan would allocate 0.5 percent of the general fund toward mobility subsidies for low-income households.

1 minute read

April 24, 2025, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


A bus stop in Philadelphia, where people wait under a glass shelter for a bus as it arrives.

Tupungato / Shutterstock

In an interview with Streetsblog USA editor Kea Wilson, Philadelphia Councilmember-at-large Nicolas O’Rourke describes his plan to expand the city’s Zero-Fare transit program beyond its current scope.

For O’Rourke, “as a member of the Working Families Party and a pastor, he sees investing in mobility for the poorest among us as both a moral and political must.” The councilmember supports a proposal called the Philadelphia Transit Access Fund, introduced today, that would set aside 0.5 percent of the city’s general fund for transit access for the lowest-income residents. Along with the 0.5 percent already set aside for the city’s housing trust fund, this secure revenue source would provide housing and mobility security for thousands of low-income Philadelphians.

O’Rourke urges city and state leaders to take initiative and rely less on federal funding to achieve their goals. “I think it is high time for states and cities to see what their rainy day funds are looking like, to look at what their reserves are, and to begin to try to govern a way that does not rely on a ruling party that, without logic or reason — other than, maybe, cruelty and domination — has no desire to support those who are in need of the most support.”

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in Streetsblog USA

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

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

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.