Independent study by Alexander Carroll Davis
Over the last few decades, certain corridors in Pennsylvania’s intercity bus network have suffered dramatic cuts to service, cutting off Pennsylvanians from access to jobs and amenities in other towns. This trend effectively mandates private car ownership for travel between urban centers and small towns across the state, thwarting the state’s economic, social, and climate goals.
While PennDOT’s existing Intercity Bus Program has saved ten private routes, the majority of the state’s network has slowly collapsed and continues to do so. County agencies also lack the funding and jurisdiction to run the long-haul routes needed in some areas.
Other states, such as Colorado, have launched successful, state-operated bus systems to close gaps in their existing networks.
This project outlines a plan for PennDOT to launch 12 new bus routes connecting 85 communities across the state under the brand Penn Express. The routes would provide limited-stop, express service along the most populous corridors that are currently unserved or underserved, integrating with existing intercity and local transit systems.
Instructors: Kelcie Ralph, Faculty sponsor and project mentor; Michael Smart, assisted with GIS analysis and demographic calculations