In response to Republicans Joe Picozzi (PA-5), Tracy Pennycuick (PA-24), Frank Farry (PA-6), and Joe Pittman (PA-41) blocking SEPTA funding, DNC Vice Chair Malcolm Kenyatta released the following statement: 

“Pennsylvania Republicans have shown no hesitation in putting SEPTA on the chopping block to play their political games. The longer Republicans delay this crucial funding, the more our communities will feel the pain. How can we expect workers to afford to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads, or students to show up to school, if there is no reliable transportation they can depend on? This isn’t about fiscal responsibility — we have the money — this is pure politics and millions of Pennsylvanians will pay the price. Here’s the message for Pennsylvania Republicans from the 800,000 Pennsylvanians who rely on SEPTA: Either fund transit for Pennsylvanians, or prepare to lose your seat. Transportation shouldn’t be a political game.”

After a bill that would increase funding for Pennsylvania’s transit agencies passed the Pennsylvania House, Senate Republicans are trying to kill the bill — potentially forcing service cuts across the state. 

Pennsylvania Capital-Star: “On Monday, the state House voted on a bill that would increase funding for transit agencies across the commonwealth. The bill will go to the Republican-controlled Senate, which is set to return to Capitol in Harrisburg tomorrow.

“House Democrats say it was a necessary move to shore up funding as the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) warns of impending service cuts if they don’t receive more state support. But, Republicans in the chamber accused the other side of the aisle of political gamesmanship.

“Republican Minority Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford), however, said the House’s move was nothing but a political show. …

“Topper said that the Republican-controlled Senate is unlikely to act on transit funding as a standalone issue, instead viewing it as part of broader budget negotiations.”

CBS News: “In the Republican-controlled state Senate, where the majority has resisted increasing aid for transit, the bill faces an uncertain future.” 

If Republicans continue to delay this bill, SEPTA — one of Philadelphia’s largest transit systems — will be forced to severely scale back services, leaving families and students scrambling to get to where they need to go. 

Pennsylvania Capital-Star: “Roughly 1 million Pennsylvanians — about one in 13 people in the state — use mass transit every day in all 67 counties. About 800,000 of those use SEPTA. But transit authorities outside of the Philadelphia area have also warned they face service cuts if no additional funding is provided by the legislature.”

CBS News: “SEPTA previously said the proposed cuts will: 

• Eliminate 32 bus routes
• Shorten 16 bus routes
• Reduce service on the 88 bus, Regional Rail and subway lines
• Cut five Regional Rail lines and the Broad-Ridge Spur subway
• Reduce all remaining services by 20%
• Add a 9 p.m. curfew on metro and Regional Rail service
• Cancel special service such as sports express trains
• Raise fares by 21.5% starting Sept. 1”

Philly Voice: “Major transit cuts are poised to derail Philadelphia’s start of the school year as state lawmakers squabble over funding for SEPTA, which more than 21,000 Philadelphia students use to get to school. …

“No part of the city will be immune, according to SEPTA officials, with longer wait times and more crowding expected throughout the transit system that provides key transportation services for students.

“Though the district provides school buses to elementary school students and some students with disabilities, most students in grades six and up are expected to walk or use public transportation to get to school.”

Pennsylvania Independent: “For Autumn Fingerhood, a single mother who works three jobs, public transportation is the reason her 15-year-old daughter can get to school and back every day. …

“‘She will have no bus. How do you expect her to participate in after-school activities while there is no bus service? I’m a single mom who works hard every single day to support my children. Three jobs I work. I do not have others to rely on.’

“‘Who is going to drop my daughter off and pick her up? Am I supposed to quit my jobs?’ Fingerhood continued.”

Rolling Out: “4 Philly teams face crisis as transit cuts threaten fans”

“The most immediate concern centers on SEPTA’s plan to eliminate Broad Street Line service after 9 p.m., a move that would particularly impact evening games across all sports. The Broad Street Line serves as a crucial transportation artery connecting fans to South Philadelphia‘s sports complex, where three of the city’s four major teams play.

“For Philadelphia Eagles fans heading to Lincoln Financial Field, the timing couldn’t be worse. NFL games frequently extend past 9 p.m., especially primetime matchups and games that go into overtime. Similarly, Philadelphia Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park and Philadelphia Flyers supporters at Wells Fargo Center would face the same transportation challenge during late-running games.”