About the Project 

The bus is one of only a few public spaces where Philadelphia residents encounter one another on a daily basis. On the bus, passengers’ journeys merge together.  Yet conversation is rare, and passengers miss the opportunity to learn about and empathize with one another.

47 Stories focuses on the 47 bus, a route that runs from north to south, connecting diverse communities along the way.  This project reimagines the 47 bus as a vehicle for introducing passengers to Philadelphia.  Images on the bus show places that are important to members of communities who live and work along the route, while quotations reveal what interviewees love and value about our city.  The bus brings the voices, stories, and experiences of Philadelphians together, creating a space for reflection on our shared histories. Through its powerful imagery and quotations, 47 Stories demonstrates that “we are all migrating together.”

As part of their interviews, the artists asked riders what songs they would put on a playlist for the 47. Click here to listen to a playlist of their answers.