The Pennsylvania state Senate has recently endorsed a budget plan that includes a two-year funding strategy for SEPTA and other significant transportation infrastructure projects throughout the state.
This legislation faced opposition from Democratic lawmakers and is now slated to be reviewed by the state House of Representatives, which is predominantly controlled by Democrats, making its future uncertain.
The amendment, proposed by state Sen. Joe Picozzi, R-Philadelphia, aligns with Governor Josh Shapiro’s request for $292 million dedicated to transportation and infrastructure initiatives.
However, unlike the governor’s original proposal, which aimed to utilize various sales tax revenues, this new plan suggests sourcing funds from the Public Transportation Trust Fund.
Picozzi argued that this amendment will secure nearly $1.2 billion in funding for transit and roads across Pennsylvania, asserting that it prioritizes taxpayer interests, enhances the safety of public transit systems, and introduces additional accountability measures.
The senator’s proposal included provisions for more transit police presence on platforms and trains, stricter penalties for drug-related offenses at transit stations, and increased transparency in fiscal reporting for the public.
“Existing resources should suffice to fund transit and infrastructure needs without compromising essential programs,” Picozzi emphasized, countering concerns from his Democratic colleagues.
Democratic senators expressed significant discontent during the Senate discussions, asserting that diverting money from the Public Transportation Trust Fund would undermine critical safety and operational upgrades necessary for public transit.
Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Philadelphia, articulated strong opposition to the proposal, labeling it as “unserious” and “dangerous.”
“This demonstrates a callous disregard for the lives and livelihoods of all Pennsylvanians who rely on public transit,” Saval stated.
He warned that reallocating funds from capital improvements would jeopardize SEPTA’s safety and could hamper the agency’s ability to maintain its aging fleet and implement necessary enhancements for future transit services.
Criticism also came from House Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who serves as the Democratic National Committee’s Vice Chair.
In a recent statement, Kenyatta accused Republican lawmakers of compromising SEPTA’s stability for political gains.
“How can we expect workers and students to rely on public transportation if it is underfunded and unreliable?” he questioned.
Kenyatta’s remarks underscored the severity of the situation, suggesting that the funding problem was rooted in “pure politics” rather than real fiscal concern.
While the Senate proposal might avert a 20% reduction in transportation services, it still does not shield SEPTA from anticipated fare increases.
Under Picozzi’s framework, fare hikes are expected annually.
SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer welcomed the Senate’s movement towards addressing the funding crisis but acknowledged potential misunderstandings regarding funding sources.
“We will continue to communicate with legislative staff as we pursue a sustainable funding solution for SEPTA’s future,” Sauer mentioned, highlighting the agency’s proactive approach to the legislative process.
Just prior to the Senate’s funding decision, the Democrat-led state House of Representatives approved a funding bill for the fifth time, which proposed increasing sales tax contributions to roads and mass transit networks.
If the legislative agenda fails to gain consensus from both chambers by Thursday, August 14, a drastic 20% service cut is anticipated to commence ten days later, coinciding with the opening of the Philadelphia public schools on August 24.
These service reductions, described by SEPTA as a “death spiral,” could eliminate 32 bus routes and shorten 16 others.
Service cuts would also extend to 88 bus, Metro, and Regional Rail lines while all specialized services, including the Sports Express, would be discontinued.
The specific bus routes poised for elimination encompass: 1, 8, 12, 19, 30, 31, 35, 47M, 50, 62, 73, 78, 80, 88, 89, 91, 106, 120, 126, 133, 150, 201, 204 (effective September 27, 2025), 206, 311, 452, 461, 462, 476, 478, 484, BLVD DIR, and MANN LOOP.
Under the Senate’s proposal, fare adjustments are projected to align with inflation rates or rise in accordance with the consumer price index, as articulated in the bill.
In the absence of sufficient funding, SEPTA warns of a base fare increase to $2.90, up from $2.50, effective September 1.
Moreover, a hiring freeze that would include all operator positions will also be implemented.
Looking ahead, an additional set of service cuts could roll out by January 1, 2026, potentially enacting a curfew on all train services at 9 p.m. and discontinue five Regional Rail routes along with the Broad-Ridge Spur.
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