Governor Shapiro allocates $153 million to rescue SEPTA

In Pennsylvania, mass transit systems are heavily reliant on state funding, covering more than half of their operational costs. In 2022, rider fares and local tax contributions accounted for only 7.5% of the total funding for SEPTA and the Pittsburgh Transit Authority. Governor Josh Shapiro acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by SEPTA, coming after a significant drop in ridership due to the pandemic, as well as escalating costs that threaten service stability for over 800,000 residents. As a temporary solution, he announced a $153 million boost from federal highway funds, along with a proposed fare increase of 7.5%, pending further talks with state lawmakers regarding long-term funding methods. However, the prospects of securing substantial budget support face skepticism from key Republican leaders in the Senate, who argue that such financial demands are unreasonable given the state's overall infrastructure needs. Furthermore, the General Assembly had previously approved an $80.5 million aid package to help SEPTA recover post-pandemic. Yet, politicians are divided over the degree to which mass transit funding should prioritize urban areas versus rural regions, as other transit agencies across Pennsylvania also contend with significant financial challenges. While SEPTA is set to receive additional federal funding as part of a $600 million allocation by the Federal Transit Administration aimed at improving public transportation in the state, the legislature's ability to address broader mass transit needs is complicated by a lack of consensus on budgetary priorities.