Greater Philadelphia is confronting a challenge that could jeopardize Pennsylvania’s economic future: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)’s impending fiscal crisis.
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (the Chamber) and the Greater Philadelphia business community have rallied behind SEPTA because of the monumental implications the transit system’s death spiral could have on our region: lost jobs, decreased property values, and stymied progress. Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Chellie Cameron recently penned a letter the editor in the Philadelphia Inquirer highlighting the urgent need for state funding to avoid service cuts and fare hikes that would create an economic emergency. The Inquirer’s recent editorial also underscores this crisis.
Key takeaways:
- The recently passed Pennsylvania state budget provides SEPTA with $46 million – a mere fraction of the $240 million needed to avoid devastating service cuts and fare hikes that would greatly impact our residents and commuters.
- Public transportation is the backbone of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s economy, connecting 700,000 commuters daily as our region supports 42% of the state’s economic activity.
- Reduced transit service widens economic disparities and hinders our region’s progress toward equitable growth. As employers, we recognize that a diverse, accessible workforce is crucial for innovation and competitiveness in the global market.
- Our business community has supported SEPTA through the Key Partner Program, which offers all-access fares to employees of participating organizations. Over 50 employer partners have enrolled, providing almost 100,000 riders with unlimited access to the SEPTA system, and accounting for nearly one-third of SEPTA’s revenue.
Sign your name to tell Pennsylvania lawmakers to take action and avoid SEPTA service cuts and fare increases. Let us choose growth, equity, and prosperity. Let us fund SEPTA and secure a brighter future for our community.
