PHILADELPHIA, PA – For months, the governor and state legislature have been working to solve the mass transit funding issue in Pennsylvania. Both the PA House of Representatives and Senate have passed different versions of legislation to address the funding needs of mass transit but have not been able to come to an agreement on a final solution. Now, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)’s self-imposed deadline for service cuts has arrived, and people and businesses across the region will be affected beginning immediately.
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (the Chamber), representing the largest group of small, medium, and large businesses employing hundreds of thousands of people across the region, implores Governor Shapiro and legislative leaders to address this issue immediately.
After careful study of the facts and economics, our recommended solution is to apply a temporary solution while committing to formal negotiations on a long-term solution.
Specifically, we believe the Public Transportation Trust Fund (PTTF) has sufficient funds to cover all capital needs for all mass transit agencies in Pennsylvania for the coming years. In addition, the fund could also cover at least an additional $450 million in capital improvements (above the current budget) in the same period, while funding the operating needs of mass transit across the state at $300 million per year for the next two years.
Although many of our mass transit agencies are well-run, if the legislature believes a closer look at their efficiency is warranted, the legislature and governor should come together to institute a blue-ribbon panel to study improved efficiency. The Chamber stands ready to support this effort, should the legislature choose this approach.
The citizens in our region, including employees attempting to get to work and children trying to get to school, should not be impacted by service cuts when there are dollars available to keep the system operating while a longer-term solution is reached.
To be clear, the Chamber supports the use of a short-term solution only if the governor and the legislature commit to implementing a long-term solution to mass transit funding in the next 12 months. We are prepared to support efforts to achieve a long-term funding solution to keep the economy of our region operating for the benefit of all citizens.
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About the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia works together with members, investors, and stakeholders, to realize our bold vision: Greater Philadelphia is a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth. As the metro-regional chamber of commerce serving the 11-county, tri-state Greater Philadelphia region, we are the premier organization to convene and connect business, government and civic leaders to drive economic growth and prosperity for all.
