Neilson makes statement on SEPTA’s fare increase proposal

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    November 13, 2024 | 9:40 AM

Following SEPTA’s new fare increase proposal, announced yesterday, Majority Chair of the House Transportation Committee, state Rep. Ed Neilson, made the following statement:

“I am disappointed that millions of people from Philadelphia and the outlying suburbs will be drastically impacted by SEPTA’s fare increase and major service cuts to the region,” Neilson said. “Despite months of negotiations and a statewide informational tour about the importance of funding our public transit agencies in all 67 counties, the General Assembly failed to reach an agreement.

“The Pennsylvania House Democrats passed legislation three times to increase funding to SEPTA and other public transit agencies statewide without raising taxes. My legislation, House Bill 2625, which passed the House, would have prevented SEPTA’s fare increases and service cuts, while also providing increased transit funding to rural, suburban, and urban communities in all 67 counties.

“Although SEPTA is the first casualty of this inaction, it will not be the last. During the House Transportation Committee’s statewide tour over the summer, we heard from every transit agency about how they are facing the same fiscal challenges as SEPTA. Soon, other vital public transit agencies throughout the state will have to make the same hard choices as SEPTA without additional state funding.

“As Majority Chair of the House Transportation Committee, I will continue to work with my colleagues to provide a solution to this statewide crisis.”