Pa. House Passes $1B Transit Funding Bill Amid SEPTA Service Cut Risks

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed House Bill 1788, a nearly $1 billion transit funding package aimed at preventing severe service cuts to SEPTA and other transit agencies. The bill, primarily supported by Democrats and opposed by most Republicans, increases transit funding by $292 million and includes new oversight and accountability measures for SEPTA and Pittsburgh Regional Transit, along with additional funding for road and bridge maintenance. SEPTA faces a critical deadline of August 14 to secure funding to avoid drastic service reductions, which would affect bus routes, stops, and train frequencies, potentially impacting commuters, students, seniors, and local businesses. While the bill has passed in the House, its future is uncertain as it awaits consideration in the Republican-controlled Senate, where budget negotiations remain stalled. House Democrats emphasize the urgency of passing the funding to support essential transit services statewide, while some Republicans criticize the bill for favoring Philadelphia disproportionately and argue for broader budget reform. Transit advocates express frustration over the Senate's limited session days and urge swift action to prevent cuts that could have widespread economic and social consequences.