Public transportation is the lifeblood of our communities, connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, and opportunities. In Pennsylvania, SEPTA plays a crucial role in keeping our cities and towns moving. However, recent budget negotiations have highlighted a concerning trend: inadequate funding for this vital service.
The importance of robust public transportation cannot be overstated:
- Economic growth: Public transit stimulates local economies by providing access to jobs and businesses.
- Environmental benefits: Reduced car usage leads to lower emissions and improved air quality.
- Accessibility: It ensures mobility for those who cannot drive, including seniors and people with disabilities.
- Reduced congestion: Fewer cars on the road mean less traffic for everyone.
Unfortunately, the recent Pennsylvania budget only provided a temporary solution for SEPTA’s funding crisis. While $51 million in additional funding was allocated, it falls far short of the $161 million originally proposed by Governor Shapiro. This stopgap measure merely delays the looming threat of service cuts and fare increases.
The root of this problem lies in the current political landscape. With Republicans controlling the state Senate, public transportation has not been prioritized. As Rep. Morgan Cephas stated, “mass transit was not a priority” for Senate Republicans.
To secure a sustainable future for SEPTA and public transportation across Pennsylvania, we need a unified approach. This means electing Democrats to control both the Senate and the House in our state legislature. With aligned priorities, we can work towards:
- Dedicated, recurring funding for public transit
- Long-term solutions to address SEPTA’s structural budget deficit
- Investments in modernization and expansion of services
As we look ahead to major events like the 2026 World Cup and MLB All-Star Game, robust public transportation will be crucial for showcasing Pennsylvania on the world stage.
The time to act is now. By supporting Democratic candidates for the state legislature, we can ensure that public transportation receives the funding and attention it deserves. Let’s invest in our future, our economy, and our communities by prioritizing public transit in Pennsylvania.
We’ve setup an ActBlue fundraiser to donate to this cause. It splits any donations evenly between three state senate candidates and seven house candidates either up for reelection or attempting to flip a seat. Join us and lets turn the Pennsylvania Statehouse blue, and secure a brighter future for SEPTA!