SEPTA & PRT Secure Funding Through Existing Trust Fund, Republicans call for Continued Safety Reforms
HARRISBURG, PA – SEPTA and PRT have sought and received approval from PennDOT to utilize funds from the Public Transportation Trust Fund (PTTF) to address recent transit challenges, a move lauded by Senate Republicans as a responsible solution prioritizing riders. Senate Majority Leader Joe pittman (R-41) released a statement today emphasizing the importance of leveraging existing resources without impacting other critical projects.
“Investing in transit through the existing PTTF, avoiding diversions from the General Fund and safeguarding capital projects, is precisely what we’ve advocated for months,” said Pittman. “Had our Democratic colleagues supported and advanced House Bill 257, passed by the Senate on August 12th, these funds could have been deployed three weeks earlier, preventing disruption for students, seniors, and daily commuters.”
The approval comes after weeks of service disruptions and concerns over funding shortfalls. Senators Farry, Picozzi, and Pennycuick were specifically recognized by Pittman for their leadership in navigating the issue and securing a solution.
While acknowledging the positive step, Republicans stressed the need for ongoing improvements. “It’s encouraging to see the hardships stemming from what we believe was a preventable crisis begin to resolve,” Pittman stated. “However, Democrats in both the House and Senate have yet to support crucial safety and accountability reforms alongside this funding.”
Senate Republicans remain committed to implementing safety measures and operational efficiencies within SEPTA and PRT to ensure long-term stability and reliability for riders. They hope the next two years will be used to enact these vital changes.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Flessner, kflessner@pasen.gov
Evergreen Context: The PTTF is a dedicated funding source for public transportation in Pennsylvania,supported by a portion of sales tax revenue. Debates over it’s allocation and the need for additional funding for SEPTA and PRT have been ongoing, particularly as ridership patterns evolve and infrastructure requires upgrades. This recent resolution highlights the ongoing tension between prioritizing immediate funding needs and implementing long-term systemic improvements within the state’s public transit systems.
