Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by public transit funding proposal

Gov. Shapiro to call for major investment in SEPTA, mass transit

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    January 29, 2024 | 3:37 PM

HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – Today, leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation said that they are encouraged by the announcement by Gov. Josh Shapiro that he will include a major investment in public transportation in his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Shapiro said that he will include a proposal to increase of the state’s share of public transit funding by 1.75%, which would be an investment of nearly $300 million into transit companies across the state.

Delegation Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. said that on the heels of advocating for this funding in last year’s budget negotiations, she would still like to work toward a 2% increase because of the importance of mass transportation to the Philadelphia region but understands the importance of getting this done right in this budget.

“Philly doesn’t move without SEPTA, so we welcome and appreciate the governor’s commitment to mass transit in his budget proposal. Public transit has a massive economic impact in communities across the state in terms of mobility for seniors and hard-working Pennsylvanians. SEPTA alone moves over half a million people every day to their jobs, families, school, medical appointments and more, in addition to visitors to our sports facilities, educational institutions, historic locations and world class recreation and restaurants,” Cephas said.

“Given the focus that will be on our city from across the world with upcoming events like the America250 celebration, MLB All Star Game and FIFA World Cup tournament matches, it’s crucial that we get this right for a clean, safe and reliable system. As a majority member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ll be working with our chairman, the administration and SEPTA leadership to ensure this investment is realized for Pennsylvania.”

Shapiro is expected to present his budget proposal for 2024-25 on Tuesday, Feb. 6 in the Rotunda of the state Capitol, followed by several weeks of budget hearings by House and Senate Appropriations committees.

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