Gov. Shapiro meets with legislative leaders as SEPTA funding impasse continues

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WPVI) -- Governor Josh Shapiro returned to the state capital Tuesday afternoon after stops in Philadelphia to meet with legislative leaders from both parties as negotiations over transportation funding, including funds for SEPTA, and the state budget remain stalled.

"I'm confident we can get there, but these two leaders need to make tough decisions," Shapiro said. "Part of the decisions they need to make is quieting the extreme voices within their caucuses."

While talks continue behind closed doors, Democrats have taken to public demonstrations to pressure Senate Republicans. State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, a Democrat from Philadelphia, walked to Harrisburg to draw attention to the issue.

"This impasse is manufactured by Senate Republicans," Kenyatta said. "House Dems have passed five bipartisan bills."

Republicans, meanwhile, argue that existing resources can be used to restore SEPTA cuts in the short term.

State Senator Frank Farry, a Republican representing part of Bucks County, pointed to SEPTA's stabilization fund.

"Yes, they have a deficit, but they also have a stabilization fund which can cover that deficit until we can get the plan done," Farry said.

Farry also criticized SEPTA's recent service decisions.

"Doing it the day before school starts, cutting the trains for Thursday night's Eagles game - these are all choices SEPTA has made," he said. "While they have enough money sitting in a bank account to cover costs moving forward."

According to SEPTA officials, the stabilization fund is already being used to prevent deeper cuts. A judge recently issued an emergency injunction halting a planned fare hike and additional cuts to Regional Rail service.

However, SEPTA is still operating with a 20% reduction in service.

The transit agency is expected back in court for a hearing on Thursday, in which the judge could expand the injunction to roll back all service cuts.