Health - Bristol Township
Bucks Democratic Lawmakers Call for Full SEPTA Funding
State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) last week called on Republicans in the General Assembly today to fully fund SEPTA in this year’s state budget. Joined at the Levittown SEPTA station by Representatives Tina Davis (D-141), Jim Prokopiak (D-140), Perry Warren (D-31) and Tim Brennan (D-29), the Democratic delegation highlighted the critical impact the public transit agency has on the region and the devastating impact proposed service cuts and fare hikes would have on Bucks County residents.
Submitted: State Sen. Steve Santarsiero
“Full funding for SEPTA is critical for our region and for the Commonwealth,” said Senator Santarsiero. “For years, Senate Republicans have kicked the can down the road, refusing to fund SEPTA in a meaningful way. We must invest in SEPTA to ensure the long-term success of the agency, its riders, its workers and the countless communities whose economies depend on public transit. I applaud Governor Shapiro’s commitment to SEPTA funding in this year’s budget and call on my Republican colleagues in the state Senate to fully fund SEPTA as we negotiate the budget.”
Senator Santarsiero noted that an April Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Modeling Analysis of SEPTA’s Proposed Service Reduction would result in 30% longer delays on I-95/I-295 in Bucks County and more delays further south. “This impacts everyone, even if you aren’t riding SEPTA every day,” Santarsiero said.
The proposed cuts come as SEPTA faces a projected $213 million structural budget deficit in Fiscal Year 2026, the result of rising operating costs and the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds. SEPTA has warned it may need to eliminate five Regional Rail lines, discontinue 50 bus routes, and impose fare increases averaging 21.5%, along with a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail service.
Bucks County Commissioner Chair Bob Harvie, who sits on the SEPTA Board of Directors, said, “Businesses and residents across Bucks County rely on public transportation everyday. It’s a major part of our County’s success and the wealth created for our Commonwealth. Failing to adequately fund public transportation will have a massive impact on all Pennsylvanians.”
“Public transportation connects our communities, supports our economy, and helps reduce traffic and pollution,” Rep. Warren said. “When service is cut, it affects how people get to work, school, and vital appointments — it impacts everyday lives.”
The House members emphasized the commitment of its members to funding public transit, including SEPTA and called on Senate Republicans to act to prevent disastrous cuts to service and costly fare hikes.
“This fare hike would hit the very people who rely on public transit the most—individuals and families who may not have other transportation options,” Rep. Davis said. “We cannot place an even greater burden on riders who are already stretching their budgets just to get to work or school. Public transit should be accessible and affordable for everyone.”
The legislators were joined by advocates and concerned citizens, including members of Transit for All PA, Save the Train Coalition and the Transit Workers Union, who echoed support for funding SEPTA.
“Drastic cuts to SEPTA service are simply not an option we can afford to entertain. The southeast region is an economic engine for the entire commonwealth, and a strong functional public transit system is both in the short- and long-term interests of this region. SEPTA helps commuters get to work, eases traffic congestion on our already overburdened roads, and connects visitors with our shops, restaurants and cultural destinations,” Rep. Brennan said. “SEPTA is a critical piece of our economic infrastructure that supports jobs, tourism, and accessibility. Undermining this system would lead to a ripple effect of harm, stifling growth and taking our transportation system backwards at time we should be investing in sustainable, forward-thinking solutions.”
Credit: CONRAIL Photo Archives
SEPTA will hold public hearings in May, with a final vote on the proposed budget set for June 26.
Meanwhile Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) filed a co-sponsorship memo in advance of the introduction of legislation outlining a plan to address SEPTA’s chronic budget issues by privatizing the transportation authority’s busing operations last week.
Click here to submit your public comment by email or call 215-580-7772. All comments must be submitted by May 28. The changes would take effect starting with the fall schedule on August 24.
Click here for more information on SEPTA’s proposal and public hearings.
Click here to view the full press conference.
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