Planning Analyst I (3073) Service Planning

About the role

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region. Performs a wide range of transit planning functions, assists and supports the development and implementation of the Authority’s Annual Service Plan, bus network redesign, and regional planning coordination. Candidate works under the guidance and supports senior staff on technical work, including data analysis, mapping, data entry and collection, report writing, and meeting attendance and coordination.

Responsibilities

• Provides support on SEPTA–led planning initiatives and transportation studies including SEPTA’s Long Range Plan, Comprehensive Bus Network Redesign, Trolley Modernization Program, Regional Rail Master Plan, and Cycle-Transit Plan.
• Supports senior staff with research and analysis to determine the feasibility of making changes to the existing route structure or the establishment of new routes, including in-field studies and liaison work with internal departments, City and County planning commissions, employers and citizens’ groups.
• Uses GIS, spatial analysis, and other statistical methods to fortify a data-driven decision-making process when evaluating service planning projects that can be communicated with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepares and analyzes passenger count data or passenger survey information to identify needed areas of service change.
• Utilizes census and demographic data to analyze existing and proposed bus route alignments.
• Drafts written recommendations and justifications for service improvements, including operating costs and rider estimates.
• Assists in the preparation of SEPTA route proposals, tariffs and related informational material for recommended service changes.
• Assists Operations Planner and Sr. Operations Planners with preparations for public hearings as required for recommended route changes and service improvements.
• Assists in the preparation of initial public information materials (public timetables, maps and publicity), and bus stop locations for new and revised services in cooperation with various SEPTA departments.
• Monitors the performance of new or revised routes for the purpose of determining their acceptance by our customers.
• Assists in the preparation of certain operating or schedule data requested by other SEPTA departments or outside agencies such as the FTA, PennDOT, DVRPC, the City of Philadelphia and Suburban Counties.
• Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
• Performs other related duties as assigned/required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban, Regional or Transportation Planning, Geography, Business or Public Administration or related field required.
• Proficiency in software applications to support transportation analysis and communications, such as ArcGIS or other related GIS software, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel required.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills required.
• Only candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship will be accepted.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.
• Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
• Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Invest in Your Growth – Tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.
• Student Loan Assistance – Positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.
• Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services.

Pay

Salary Range: $59,540.00–$74,412.00 (Job Grade: SAM 36). Opening Date: 10/30/2026; Closing Date: 11/13/2026.