(The following Letter to the Editor by Tom Dorricott, Legislative Representative of BLET Division 71 (Philadelphia), appeared on the Philadelphia Daily News website on July 21.)
PHILADELPHIA — As a union representative for SEPTA’s locomotive engineers, I applaud the Daily News editorial support for full dedicated funding for SEPTA.
Although dedicated funding enjoys strong bipartisan support from legislators in this five-county region, yes votes will also be necessary from those who are not normally sympathetic to the needs of Philadelphia or SEPTA.
In order to win their support, several pervasive SEPTA “myths” need to be aggressively countered with the facts.
SEPTA is not a bloated bureaucracy that would misspend any dedicated funding increases. The present general manager and her predecessor have done an excellent job of eliminating the wasteful spending of the Gambaccini administration. SEPTA’s financial department has evolved into one of the best in the industry, capable of enforcing the discipline needed to ensure the proper spending of dedicated funds.
SEPTA is not merely an urban bus company for those who cannot afford cars. SEPTA’s Suburban and Railroad Divisions serve the entire five-county region, transporting riders of all income and educational levels. Without SEPTA, all of Southeastern Pennsylvania, not just Philadelphia, would incur traffic and mobility crises so great that the economic loss would be felt statewide.
Finally, SEPTA is not a patronage plum controlled by city politicians. Over a decade ago, the SEPTA board was restructured in a way that gives state and suburban leaders much greater control than city reps enjoy. As a result, the board has succeeded in increasing SEPTA’s regional impact over the last decade, enabling significant suburban ridership gains.
Despite a handful of recent well-publicized operational and bidding problems, SEPTA is a vital transportation authority that is economically prudent and deserving of the permanent dedicated funding needed to ensure its survival and growth.
Tom Dorricott
Legislative Representative
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen