In recent years, transit oriented development projects have seen great success in bringing new economic growth to urban areas previously considered to be “blighted” or “underutilized.” However, these projects often face criticism as they can result in displacement of existing neighborhood residents and gentrification. A new approach to these types of developments is emerging called equitable transit oriented development. In this method, it is the responsibility of city planners and designers to ensure that economic opportunity brought about by new development is offered to existing city residents instead of pushing them out. This thesis seeks to break down the barriers to public transportation in Philadelphia through an equitable transit oriented development approach that empowers North Philadelphia residents through greater accessibility to SEPTA Regional Rail, greater connectivity between the SEPTA systems, and new housing and commercial activity along the Regional Rail.
Public transportation infrastructur
