Gov. Josh Shapiro to propose $282.8 million in state funding for public transit

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Governor Josh Shapiro will propose $282 million increase in state funding for public transit systems in Pennsylvania.

The announcement came on Sunday. Governor Shapiro announced that the 2024-25 budget proposal will include a major increase in funding for our public transit systems.

According to the press release this is the first increase in the state share of public transit funding in over a decade.

The Governor's Office wrote, "Governor Shapiro's proposal will increase the state share of public transit funding by 1.75% - a $282.8 million investment, and nearly $1.5 billion in new state funding over five years, in transit systems that Pennsylvanians rely on in his 2024-25 budget proposal."

This announcement comes a day after Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson sent a joint letter to Governor Josh Shapiro urging financial help for SEPTA.

The transit authority is working on its budget for the 2025 fiscal year, which includes a $240 million shortfall.

"SEPTA is projecting a $240 million operating deficit, representing 15% of operating expenses," the letter stated in part. "SEPTA is responsible for transporting each day, 750,000 residents of southeastern Pennsylvania. Without SEPTA's interconnected and unified transit system, covering 2,200 miles of service across five counties, this would not be feasible."

If the agency doesn't come up with the money, the letter said fares could go up and services could be cut for riders in Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, and Germantown.

The Save the Train Coalition held a rally along the Chestnut Hill route on Sunday to raise awareness.

The group says they are trying to bring attention to the significant budget challenges for Septa and the devastating loss for the community, if they were to lose their route.

"I think it's great the Governor is starting to notice that we absolutely cannot let SEPTA go into the dark," said Ann Noder. "I think it's going to be a big struggle. I think we need to keep on organizing to make sure we don't lose our train."

Dozens of people gathered for the short rally at the Richard Allen Lane Station and then all boarded the train.

Riders say they've already watched the drastic schedule decline.

Bob Previdi still has his 1995 schedule pamphlet.

"This schedule shows half hour service going here, not just during rush hour, but through most of days," said Bob Previdi of Chestnut Hill. "I'm hoping that this is going to be more than just rallies for funding, but we really need to rally community to help SEPTA by getting out of our car and riding the system."

This group says they will continue to bring attention to this issue.