Governor Josh Shapiro approved a request from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to shift up to $394 million in capital funds from the Public Transportation Trust Fund into daily operations. The move allows SEPTA to avoid planned service cuts for the next two years. These funds are usually reserved for long-term projects and equipment such as buses and trains.
As part of the approval, the administration directed SEPTA to report to PennDOT every 120 days on steps taken to increase efficiency and address financial challenges. The Governor also said he will continue pushing for a long-term solution to provide stable transit funding.
Transit systems across Pennsylvania face similar budget pressures. Pittsburgh Regional Transit and other regional providers may look at comparable strategies.
Public transit funding has been a central issue in the ongoing state budget impasse. The fiscal year began July 1, and lawmakers remain without an agreement two months later. Shapiro said that with the SEPTA decision settled, legislators should return to the Capitol to finish the budget. The Senate reconvened this week, but the House is not scheduled to return until September 29. No final budget deal has been reached.
About the Harrisburg Regional Chamber
For 140 years, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber has served as the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity. The organization combines business, community, and economic development services to enhance the region’s vitality and livability. The Chamber is a five-star accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—a distinction held by fewer than 1 percent of chambers nationwide.
The Chamber celebrates a storied history of being the catalyst that moves the city forward. The Chamber answered the call from Mira Lloyd Dock to lead the City Beautiful movement in 1900. Twenty years later, the Chamber spearheaded the effort to bring reliable, modern electricity to the city.
