Overview

• On August 12, the Republican-controlled Senate approved a two-year, $1.2 billion transit plan that would redirect about $292 million annually from the Public Transportation Trust Fund, but the Democratic-led House Rules Committee voted it down 18–15 the next day.
• SEPTA set an August 14 deadline for state funding to avert a 20 percent systemwide reduction, and with no deal by that date the agency confirmed it will implement cuts beginning August 24.
• Initial reductions will eliminate 32 bus routes, shorten 16 others, cut service on 88 lines, end special services like the Sports Express, trigger a hiring freeze and raise fares to $2.90, with full restoration taking at least 10 days if funds arrive later.
• Senate Republicans describe the trust-fund diversion as a short-term bridge to sustain operations, while SEPTA leaders, House Democrats and PennDOT argue that using capital dollars jeopardizes critical maintenance and safety projects.
• Governor Josh Shapiro and top lawmakers remain in closed-door negotiations, but with schools reopening and major regional events approaching, time is running out to secure a sustainable revenue solution.