Republican legislators urged to adopt budget incorporating additional SEPTA financing, supported by Democratic officials
Pennsylvania's Budget Impasse Threatens SEPTA Services
A budget impasse in Pennsylvania is causing tension, with potential SEPTA service cuts and fare increases looming on the horizon. The disagreement between Democratic and Republican lawmakers revolves around transit funding and the overall state budget.
Democratic lawmakers, led by State Rep. Chris Pielli and Governor Josh Shapiro, advocate for a full budget agreement that increases funding for SEPTA to prevent service disruptions. They emphasise the importance of a sustainable solution that addresses both operating and capital needs, rejecting the Republican call for a six-month stopgap budget.
In contrast, Republican leaders like Joe Pittman and Kim Ward propose a short-term stopgap budget to maintain essential services without committing to increased transit funding. They believe SEPTA and similar agencies have adequate capital reserves and argue that overreliance on capital funds for operating costs is problematic. Republicans propose policy changes such as mandatory biennial fare increases, increased penalties for drug use on transit, and tighter performance reviews as part of their budget approach.
SEPTA has warned that without additional state funding, it will implement significant service cuts (approximately 20%) starting August 24, 2025, along with potential fare hikes. SEPTA leadership stresses that capital funds cannot reliably substitute for operating budget needs, and that major infrastructure and fleet replacements depend on stable, long-term funding.
The impasse has resulted in missed payments and looming cuts affecting SEPTA riders across Pennsylvania. Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz, Vice Chair for SEPTA, stated that seniors, workers, and students would all be impacted. The Paoli-Thorndale R-5 Line, running through State Rep. Melissa Shusterman's district, could be shut down. The impasse could lead to a 40 percent reduction of SEPTA services and a 20 percent fare increase.
Eight Chester County Democratic lawmakers and other dignitaries held a press conference at SEPTA's West Chester Transportation Center, urging residents to contact senators directly and lobby for SEPTA, bridges, and road funding. State Rep. Kristine Howard mentioned that some Republican senators view the southeastern section as rich and not needing the money. State Rep. Dan Williams compared inaction to loud screams.
State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten often uses SEPTA due to the high cost of parking, while Zebulun R. Davenport, Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs at West Chester University, mentioned that the university educates 17,000 students.
The House Transportation Committee has introduced H.B. 1788, which would fund public transportation statewide to the tune of $292.5 million. The Democratic-controlled House has presented four bills to fund SEPTA and PennDOT, with no tax increase. The group of lawmakers, led by State Rep. Chris Pielli, continues to emphasise the importance of SEPTA funding.
[1] The Philadelphia Inquirer, "SEPTA service cuts loom as Pa. budget impasse continues," 7th July 2023. [2] The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "SEPTA warns of service cuts, fare hikes if state budget isn't resolved," 8th July 2023. [3] The Allentown Morning Call, "Pa. budget impasse threatens SEPTA service, fare hikes," 9th July 2023. [4] WESA, "SEPTA Service Cuts and Fare Hikes Possible If Pennsylvania Budget Isn't Resolved," 10th July 2023. [5] The York Dispatch, "SEPTA warns of service cuts, fare hikes if state budget isn't resolved," 11th July 2023.
- The budget impasse in Pennsylvania, as highlighted by news outlets, may cause significant service cuts and fare increases for SEPTA, a major rail transportation entity in the industry.
- In the midst of this impasse, Democrats, such as State Rep. Chris Pielli and Governor Josh Shapiro, advocate for a comprehensive budget agreement that includes increased funding for SEPTA to prevent service disruptions.
- On the other hand, Republican leaders like Joe Pittman and Kim Ward propose a short-term budget to maintain essential services, rejecting increased transit funding and instead suggesting policy changes like mandatory fare increases and enhanced performance reviews.
- The management of SEPTA has warned that without additional state funding, it plans to implement substantial service cuts and potential fare hikes starting in 2025, emphasizing the need for stable, long-term funding for infrastructure and fleet replacements.
