A number of organizations in Pennsylvania have become involved in the support and application of TOD throughout the Keystone State. PenTrans (Pennsylvanians for Transportation Solutions) is a three-year-old advocacy group that promotes adequate dedicated funding for public transportation and other mobility improvements in Pennsylvania. The group’s mission is to generate public and private support for balanced, multimodal transportation and mobility alternatives that improve quality of life. PenTrans advises state and federal lawmakers to “develop more economically vibrant, environmentally sustainable communities where all people can move freely and safely to work, to shop and to all the social, cultural, educational and recreational activities of daily living.”
In March 2006, PenTrans held a symposium to highlight the importance of transit-oriented development in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Guests included planner John Beckman of Wallace Roberts and Todd, LLC, and project manager David Miller of Parsons Brinckerhoff. Beckman outlined the work his firm was doing for the Market Frankfort El in West Philadelphia and for stations along the PATCO Hi-Speed Line. Miller gave examples of several national examples in which development around transit has had a major revitalizing effect. Recognizing the ability of TOD to improve existing communities, PenTrans plans to throw its support behind future projects in the state that employ the principles of transit-oriented development.