Philadelphia leaders urge Harrisburg to reach deal to restore SEPTA services
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia lawmakers held press conferences Monday, urging state leaders in Harrisburg to reach a deal that would restore SEPTA services.
The transit agency is facing a $213 million deficit, and the commonwealth remains without a finalized budget. Phase 1 of SEPTA's service cuts is already underway, with a 20% reduction across buses, trolleys, and subway lines.
Mayor Cherelle Parker and several City Council members emphasized that Southeastern Pennsylvania generates 40% of the state's revenue.
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"Continue to stay at the table to deliver the critical funding that we need to keep the economic engine of Southeastern Pennsylvania moving," Parker said.
"I'm begging the Senate to get back to work and do your job," added Councilmember Mike Driscoll, who represents the 6th District and chairs Council's Transportation Committee.
More changes are coming: a 21.5% fare increase begins Monday, Sept. 1, followed by reduced Regional Rail service starting Tuesday.
City Council President Kenyatta Johnson said Philadelphia has already committed significant funding.
"We already, in our five-year budget, proposed $800-plus million toward supporting SEPTA. This current budget is $70-plus million," Johnson said.
Meanwhile, citizens and advocacy groups are mobilizing. The Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to lawmakers urging them to use the Public Transit Trust Fund to close the funding gap-a proposal backed by some Republicans in Harrisburg.
Attorney George Bochetto, representing several public interest groups, said he plans to file a lawsuit to stop the cuts.
"I will file a complaint on Tuesday or Wednesday," Bochetto said. "With that complaint, I'll file an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order. Hopefully, issuing a restraining order preventing SEPTA from doing rollbacks, so the court can have a full-blown preliminary injunction hearing."
Deputy Managing Director Mike Carroll said the city has contingency plans in place to address expected traffic congestion. He expects conditions to worsen after Labor Day and said the city is monitoring and adjusting plans weekly.
