SEPTA Vision Summary – Accelerate
McCormick Taylor, in partnership with TYLin and HDR, supported the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in developing Accelerate, a long-range vision for the future of transit in Greater Philadelphia.
The Challenge
SEPTA faced a critical funding shortfall that threatened service reductions, fare increases, and the long-term viability of a transit system relied upon by more than 800,000 daily riders. At the same time, decades of underinvestment had left the authority with aging vehicles, infrastructure, accessibility barriers, and growing demands for more reliable and frequent service. SEPTA needed a clear and compelling way to communicate these challenges, demonstrate the economic and community value of transit investment, and build support among policymakers, business leaders, riders, and the public, with an ultimate goal of creating a best-in-class system.
How We Helped
Working closely with SEPTA and project partners, the team developed a comprehensive vision and framework centered on Accelerate, SEPTA’s roadmap for creating a safer, more reliable, and fully accessible transit network. The strategy organized future investments around three core themes: strengthening the system’s foundation through improved safety, cleanliness, and customer experience; modernizing transit through new trolley, Metro, and Regional Rail vehicles, station upgrades, and accessibility improvements; and leading the region through expanded frequent service, better multimodal connections, and transit-oriented development opportunities. The team translated complex planning, operational, and funding data into accessible narratives, graphics, and messaging that connected transit investments to economic growth, workforce access, quality of life, and regional competitiveness.
Results
The project delivered a unified suite of communications materials that equipped SEPTA to effectively convey its long-term vision and funding needs to key stakeholders. The resulting Vision Summary and supporting collateral established a clear case for investment, demonstrating how modernization initiatives could improve reliability, accessibility, safety, and mobility across the region.
