The Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol was packed in mid-May with BLET members from SEPTA and the members of other transit unions from across the state, who were joined by business leaders and transit riders urging the state legislature to support adequate transportation funding. A reduction in federal funding for public transit, combined with ridership levels that have been slow to recover after the pandemic, has led to a serious funding crisis in Pennsylvania. Time is running short to get a deal.
Pennsylvania has 53 public transit agencies; all are looking at reducing service without additional state assistance. In Philadelphia and surrounding municipalities deep cuts to bus and train routes operated by SEPTA will begin in August, with five rail lines on the chopping block.
The cuts would be a hard hit for the elderly, school children, college students, and tourists, among others. In Philadelphia, students rely on public transit to go to school, and many city residents don’t own cars. Don Hill, the BLET General Chairman at SEPTA, says the cuts, if allowed to go through, would be an embarrassment to all Pennsylvanians at a time when the nation is celebrating its 250th anniversary with the focus on Philadelphia and major sporting events are being hosted in the city, including the FIFA World Cup.
“Investing in SEPTA is not just about preserving a transit system,” said Hill. “It is about safeguarding Pennsylvania’s economic future. It is about ensuring that our state remains a beacon of opportunity, innovation, and prosperity.”
BLET members who live in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are asked to take action. Please use this link to reach out to members of the legislature and to ask them to support Gov. Shapiro’s plan to increase funding for public transportation. The Take Action area of the National Division website will help you to find your legislator while allowing you to send them an automated message. Click here to get involved.