Public Transit on the Brink: Pennsylvania's Fight for Funding

PENNSYLVANIA'S PUBLIC TRANSIT CRISIS: A CALL TO ACTION!

Listen up, folks! The future of public transit in Pennsylvania is hanging by a thread, and it's time to take action. Hundreds of transit workers rallied at the Capitol Building in Harrisburg in May, demanding that Gov. Shapiro's plan for additional Commonwealth funding be passed. The stakes are high, and the time for action is now!

THE ECONOMIC ENGINE OF THE COMMONWEALTH

Public transit is the lifeblood of Pennsylvania's economy. It's the job generator, the connector of communities, and the backbone of our infrastructure. Without it, our cities would grind to a halt, and our economy would suffer. But Senate Republicans are playing politics with our future, and it's time to call them out!

THE RALLY: A VOICE FOR THE PEOPLE

Local 234 President Brian Pollitt, along with other labor leaders, supportive elected officials, and rider advocates, filled the steps of the rotunda, contributing to an overflow crowd on the main floor. Their message was clear: FUNDING MASS TRANSIT IS NOT A GIFT, IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO!

THE CONFLICT: SMALL-TOWN VS. BIG-CITY

This isn't just about politics; it's about people. Republicans from more rural and suburban areas don't want to spend money benefiting city residents. But the truth is, public transit benefits everyone. It's the economic engine that drives our state forward, and we can't afford to let it stall.

THE PROPOSAL: A LIFELINE FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT

Gov. Shapiro's proposal to increase state funding for transit by raising its share of the sales tax is a no-brainer. SEPTA would receive $161 million, a lifeline for our struggling transit systems. But Senate Republicans blocked it last year, and they're at it again. We need to make some noise, and it needs to be resounding!

THE CONSEQUENCES: A WORST-CASE SCENARIO

If we don't act now, the consequences will be dire. SEPTA officials say they will have to eliminate up to 55 bus routes, shut down five Regional Rail lines, and reduce the frequency of service on those that remain. Cuts would be implemented in two phases: one starting this fall, the other in January. This is a disaster waiting to happen, and we can't let it!

THE FIGHT: A CALL TO ACTION

We need to rally behind Gov. Shapiro's proposal and demand that Senate Republicans pass the necessary legislation. This is a fight for our future, and we can't afford to lose. So, let's make some noise, folks! Let's stand up for public transit and demand the funding it deserves!

THE BOTTOM LINE: INVEST IN PUBLIC TRANSIT, INVEST IN OUR FUTURE

Public transit is the economic engine of the Commonwealth, and we can't afford to let it stall. We need to invest in public transit, and we need to do it now. So, let's make some noise, folks! Let's stand up for public transit and demand the funding it deserves. The future of Pennsylvania is at stake, and it's time to take action!