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Senate Republicans to Weigh Transit Funding in Short-Term Budget Before SEPTA Cuts

Gov. Shapiro is pressuring the GOP-controlled Senate to approve $292 million in mass transit aid, aiming to avert a 20 percent service cut scheduled for Aug. 24.

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FILE - A Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority bus (SEPTA) is driven on Market Street in Philadelphia, Oct. 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
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Overview

  • The Democratic-led House passed a transportation bill on Aug. 11 by a 108–95 vote that reallocates $292 million in sales tax revenue for mass transit, with the bulk earmarked for SEPTA.
  • Senate Republicans reconvened in Harrisburg on Tuesday to consider a stopgap budget measure, but it remains unclear whether it will include the House’s transit funding proposal.
  • SEPTA set an internal Aug. 14 deadline to secure state aid; without it, the agency will begin preparations for 20 percent service cuts on Aug. 24 and a 21.5 percent fare increase on Sept. 1.
  • Gov. Josh Shapiro has called for sustainable, recurring revenue for SEPTA and other agencies, warning that delays threaten student commutes and the region’s capacity to host major events.
  • Senate GOP leaders, citing concerns over SEPTA’s management and accountability, have advocated for oversight conditions and explored alternative revenue sources such as taxing skill games or tapping the transit trust fund.