31 Aug The Last Stop in 2023 with SEPTA Bus Revolution
Looking Back
We’ve recently reached the end of our involvement in Bus Rev for 2023 – as the process passes over to SEPTA to lead the public hearings stage sharing the final recommendations, we wanted to reflect on the moments that made us smile. From 2021 into Spring 2023, CtD set up indoor and outdoor events, large scale and small to meet the community where they are. As a result, we walked away with lots of memories and stories. Here are five of our favorite moments.
Reimagining the Traditional
We love reimagining the traditional at Connect the Dots. For the fall phase focused on sharing the first draft of bus network recommendations, we transformed the Connect the Dots’ led Open Houses into Fall Fests, complete with all the fall decor you could imagine, games, food, local DJs, resources tables, and more. Our offices were brimming with fall pumpkins, leafy-backdrops, Halloween-y games, pinecones and much more! We went all in, even going to other fall-themed events for inspiration! We saw higher attendance at these events than typical open houses; the event provided value to its attendees too.
My favorite moment? Trekking to Fishtown and back to get – what I felt was completely essential – an armful of corn stalks to signify the entrance to each event and attract attention from passersby.
– Marisa Denker, Founder & CEO
Taco Time!
Bus Revolution was such a journey through Philly! Each of the open houses I attended was so different and reflective of the community where the meeting was located. Our staff collaborated with community groups to prioritize cultural accessibility and create inclusive engagement opportunities for communities, and a large part of that was showcasing the best of the neighborhood. A plus side of this for our food loving team: amazing eats at so many of our events! My personal favorite had to be the birria tacos we had in South Philly, but we also shared Nigerian food, empanadas, cheesesteaks, and hoagies galore. Feeding the community is a hallmark of our events, and we take pride in supporting local businesses through our work, as well. Through the Bus Revolution events, we provided hundreds of meals throughout the region, in addition to gaining valuable insights by creating approachable, safe spaces for input. Many of our participants came when they spotted the food, music, and games, but stayed to provide their feedback on the bus network.
– Rosanne Lubeck, Principal
Bubbles for All Ages
Do you remember the simple joy of catching soap bubbles? It turns out that this delight isn’t just for children but for people of all ages. At Connect the Dots, we recently discovered that our small bubble machine was a huge hit at all of our open houses throughout Philly. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the events, the bubbles became a sign of fun and excitement. We even had a dozen people attend our open houses just because they were drawn in by the bubbles. Connect the Dots team strives to create memorable experiences that bring people together by designing approachable interactions that fit the community context. Our creativity allowed us to connect with people’s joyful moods. We were then able to gather valuable insights on the bus network redesign while providing the public with an unforgettable experience.
– Sylvia García-García, Principal
Go with the Flow
My first solo assignment led me to Spring City, a small town over 1hr outside Philadelphia on the edge of the SEPTA network to facilitate a workshop at an assisted living facility. I arrived extra early and upon entering the community room, was greeted by two full tables of residents eager to learn what was going to happen to their one and only route, Bus 139. In the same room, a hairstylist was getting her station ready to provide haircuts to residents, and in the middle were baked goods donated from local stores for the residents to grab. It was a community room after all-a versatile and active space. Sometimes you can’t predict all the quirks of an event and you have to adapt in the moment. So the workshop began informally, an hour early, before the food arrived, before the SEPTA folks arrived, and before I could even lay the info-sheets on the tables. The residents were a watchful audience and pinged me with their many questions as I attempted to set-up. It was another lesson to go with the flow. In the end, I enjoyed this event with the longest running time and my most inquisitive and groomed audience!
– Stephanie Fuentes, Project Manager
Hearing from Generations
Bus Revolution events took us all across the city, and introduced us to so many passionate Philadelphians — of all ages! After every Open House that Connect the Dots worked on, I got to open up the bag full of comment cards and transcribe and categorize each one. It was amazing to read comments from people who had lived in the city for 60 or 70 years! My favorite passionate Philadelphian, however, wasn’t someone who wrote a comment card, but was the 5 year old we met in South Philly who loved buses! As her mother told me, she saw that the sign advertising our event had the word “bus” and insisted that her family come in. The food, music, and games convinced them to stay! Hearing so many insights from so many different generations of Philadelphians was a truly awe inspiring experience.
– Sophia Peterson, Project Associate
What’s Next?
Hearings will take place at locations throughout the SEPTA service area during the month of SEPTA 2023 and the public is invited to attend hearings in-person or virtually. All in-person locations are ADA accessible and close to an existing SEPTA bus route. Stay connected with SEPTA news or to receive announcements for public hearings by joining their email list and learn more details about the Bus Revolution now at https://www.septabusrevolution.com/