'Transit for All PA' lobbies state lawmakers for more SEPTA funding
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The group "Transit for All PA" went to Harrisburg on Wednesday to rally in support of state funding for SEPTA and other transit agencies in the Commonwealth.
The organization represents both SEPTA workers and riders. They gathered at 30th Street Station, providing free tickets to supporters.
SEPTA is facing a $213 million budget deficit, and without more state support, fare hikes, service cuts, and a 9 p.m. curfew are all on the table.
READ MORE | 'A disaster for us': Philadelphia business owner fears fallout from proposed SEPTA cuts
Roughly 100 advocates for transit funding from across the state attended the rally.
But if they are expecting a resolution soon, the Republican Senate majority leader, who is at the table negotiating the funding, told Action News they should prepare for the worst.
Gloria Cartagena, of Kensington, was among the dozens of mass transit advocates who made the trek from Philadelphia.
"I need to get to my appointments, I need to get to my job," she said.
Also rallying for transit funding on the Capitol steps was Preston Taylor of York.
"Even though I and others have disabilities, we all deserve to have a purpose and we all deserve to be a part of society and contribute," he said.
SEPTA needs to close a $200-plus million deficit after federal COVID-19 funds ran dry if the state doesn't pony up.
The transit agency is proposing a 40% reduction in services, including the elimination of 50 bus routes and five regional rail lines.
"It's not something we ever wanted to do," said Scott Sauer, who is the general manager of SEPTA. "Unfortunately, it's something we are going to have to do without a funding solution from Harrisburg, but certainly nothing we wanted to do."
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman says SEPTA is manufacturing a crisis with the cuts. He says roads and bridges in his district and around the state need funding for work.
"We already invest $1.5 billion a year into SEPTA," said Pittman.
He told Action News that SEPTA should expect no new additional dollars.
"Unlike our friend at the federal government, we can't borrow money. We can't print money. We can't deficit spend. We have to balance our budget," he said.
If no funding plan is reached by the end of the month, cuts at SEPTA will begin in August.
State Senator Pittman tells Action News he doesn't foresee meeting the June 30 deadline.
