Resolution 250353

..Title Urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to draft and pass bipartisan legislation that will secure necessary funding for SEPTA to prevent service closures, fare increases, and a decline in mobility and economic activity for the citizens of Philadelphia and neighboring counties. ..Body WHEREAS, SEPTA is the primary public transit agency serving the City of Philadelphia and surrounding counties including Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, and Chester, providing vital transportation services to approximately 800,000 commuters, students, seniors, and individuals with disabilities each day; and WHEREAS, SEPTA faces a $213 million budget gap and is proposing a 21.5% hike across the board, raising the current fare on subways, buses, and trolleys from $2.50 to approximately $3.04; and WHEREAS, Safe, reliable, and affordable public transportation is not a partisan issue but a critical bipartisan concern that is essential to Philadelphia's economy; and WHEREAS, SEPTA narrowly avoided a strike due to these ongoing funding challenges; and WHEREAS, Governor Josh Shapiro redirected $153 million dollars in federal funding to aid SEPTA and avoid service cuts and a 21% fare increase, providing temporary relief to the agency and its riders; and WHEREAS, This funding shift provided immediate relief but did not address the long-term financial stability of SEPTA; and WHEREAS, Governor Shapiro's proposed state budget includes $170 million in additional support to help prevent service reductions, fare hikes, and the deterioration of mobility and economic activity across the region; and WHEREAS, Without this critical investment, SEPTA may be forced to eliminate up to 50 bus routes, discontinue five Regional Rail lines, impose a 9 p.m. curfew on Regional Rail services, and cancel transit accommodations for major special events - including those planned for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 250th anniversary of our great nation; and WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed bipartisan legislation three times to increase funding to SEPTA and other transit agencies statewide, yet the Senate has not acted on this matter; and WHEREAS, Pennsylvania State Republicans and Democrats must work collaboratively to develop a comprehensive, fair, and sustainable funding solution for SEPTA that includes increased state investment and innovative funding mechanisms to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to affordable public transportation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby urges the Pennsylvania General Assembly to draft and pass bipartisan legislation that will secure necessary funding for SEPTA to prevent service closures, fare increases, and a decline in mobility and economic activity for the citizens of Philadelphia and neighboring counties. ..End