State Senate Republicans Propose SEPTA Enhancement Plan Without Provisioned Financing
In a bid to enhance the performance and oversight of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), some Republican state senators have introduced a package of bills. These measures aim to tighten accountability without providing additional funding, focusing on transparency and management improvements.
The proposed legislation includes requirements for SEPTA to publish performance reviews every other year, providing insights into the agency's financial stability and use of state funds. However, it does not directly address SEPTA's significant budget shortfall, which stands at a recurring $213 million deficit, leading to potential service cuts and fare increases.
Governor Josh Shapiro, recognising the urgency of the situation, has repurposed $153 million in federal highway projects temporarily to help keep transit agencies from making significant service cuts at the start of 2025. Additionally, Shapiro proposed an additional $165 million for SEPTA in his annual budget pitch.
House Democrats have passed funding increases for mass transit four times in the last two legislative sessions, but the state's $5.5 billion budget deficit may hinder further financial support for SEPTA.
Top Republican senators, including Sen. Joe Picozzi and his suburban GOP colleagues, argue that SEPTA, which already receives over $1 billion annually from the state, must demonstrate better management and reduced fare evasion before warranting further funding. They view accountability as a prerequisite for funding increases.
SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer has expressed conditional support for the accountability bills, stating that he supports measures that could help build legislative backing for additional necessary funding. Sauer emphasises that without increased funding, SEPTA must implement substantial service cuts and fare hikes, which will negatively affect many riders.
SEPTA is already taking steps to improve public safety, cleanliness, and ridership experience. The agency is working to crack down on fare evasions, increase police presence, and hire additional cleaning staff. Moreover, SEPTA is already seeking public-private partnerships to explore innovative solutions for its financial challenges.
Transit for All Pennsylvania, a transportation advocacy group, remains neutral on the proposed bills, stating that improvements would only be possible with adequate funding. Connor Descheemaker, Transit for All Pennsylvania's campaign manager, emphasises the need for the state legislature to act with urgency and recognise that reforms need to come with investment.
Rep. Morgan Cephas (D., Philadelphia) is excited about Picozzi's legislation to improve SEPTA and hopes to convince GOP colleagues to support it. The ongoing budget deadlock leaves SEPTA’s financial stability and service levels uncertain in the near term.
- The proposed bills, introduced by Republican state senators, aim to increase accountability in the management of SEPTA without providing additional funding, focusing on transparency and improvements.
- SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer supports measures that could help build legislative backing for additional necessary funding, yet warns that without increased funding, SEPTA may need to implement substantial service cuts and fare increases affecting many riders.
- Transit for All Pennsylvania, a transportation advocacy group, remains neutral on the proposed bills, stating that improvements would only be possible with adequate funding, and emphasizes the need for the state legislature to act with urgency and recognize that reforms need to come with investment.
- In his annual budget pitch, Governor Josh Shapiro proposed an additional $165 million for SEPTA to help alleviate its significant budget shortfall, leading to potential service cuts and fare increases.
- Top Republican senators, including Sen. Joe Picozzi and his suburban GOP colleagues, argue that SEPTA must demonstrate better management and reduced fare evasion before warranting further funding, viewing accountability as a prerequisite for funding increases.
