Neilson applauds significant increase to mass transit funding
Rep. Ed Neilson March 20, 2024 | 3:37 PM
State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, said he was proud to vote ‘yes’ on vital legislation to increase funding for mass transit agencies for the first time in over a decade.
The legislation would provide a significant increase in funding for public transit, as Gov. Josh Shapiro urged for in his recent address on the 2024-25 state budget.
“Funding mass transit in Pennsylvania isn't just about moving people, it's about moving our economy forward, bringing people together no matter where they start and providing a safe way to travel to work, school or leisure,” Neilson said.
“Pennsylvania transit systems provided over 230 million trips in 2023,” Neilson added. “This increase in funding would guarantee that people throughout the commonwealth will have a safe and efficient way to travel in our great state.”
Neilson said that increasing this funding would also provide many Pennsylvanians with new and competitive employment opportunities.
The bill would increase the amount of sales tax revenue that is transferred to the Public Transportation Trust Fund from 4.4% to 6.15%, a generous increase of 1.75%.
The bill now heads back to the Senate for concurrence.