In a bid to enhance oversight of SEPTA as it grapples with significant financial challenges, Republican state senators from the Philadelphia area have introduced new legislation.
The bill comes as the beleaguered transit system faces a projected service cut of nearly 50%, effective August 24, due to a hefty $213 million deficit tied to protracted state budget deliberations.
State Senator Joe Picozzi, R-Philadelphia, is the primary sponsor of the proposed legislation, which would compel SEPTA to submit biennial performance reports. These reports are intended to detail both the agency’s financial stability progress and the deployment of state funds.
Moreover, the legislation aims to establish minimum system performance standards, which would address critical areas such as fare evasion, public-private partnerships, and the optimization of bus routes. If SEPTA falls short of these performance criteria, the agency could face a court-ordered improvement plan.
SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer collaborated with Picozzi to draft the legislation, highlighting a mutual commitment to ensuring SEPTA reaches its operational potential. ‘We had a lot of long conversations, I mean, heart-to-hearts, about what SEPTA can and should be,’ Picozzi remarked, emphasizing the alignment of priorities between the two.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal includes $293 million for transportation improvements. This funding has the potential to alleviate some of SEPTA’s deficit woes, thus averting the impending service cuts.
While the legislation does not directly provide additional funding, Picozzi believes it may serve as a prelude to future financial assistance for SEPTA. ‘I’m calling for things that SEPTA wants to do already,’ he asserted, underscoring the need for public accountability.
Concerns have been raised by multiple senators regarding SEPTA’s financial spending, with Picozzi suggesting that the legislation could help elucidate these matters. ‘A lot of senators have raised questions,
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