A Change.org petition titled “Secure Funding for SEPTA, Halt Service Reductions and Fare Increment” is circulating in response to SEPTA’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget.
A budget proposal released by the transit agency in April would lead to “45% in service cuts – coupled with major fare increases, workforce reductions and a 9 p.m. curfew for all rail services – to address a massive structural budget deficit during the new fiscal year that starts July 1.”
In its budget announcement, SEPTA pointed to the “critical negotiations in Harrisburg on a statewide transit funding plan introduced in February by Governor Shapiro that would prevent these dire measures from taking effect.” SEPTA held four public hearings regarding the proposal from May 19-21.
The petition claims that SEPTA “has been persistently underfunded for decades” and calls on officials to “extend their influence to aid in saving public transit.”
Listed among the “decision makers” are Art Haywood, whose district office is in Abington Township, Governor Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania State Senate, the Pennsylvania State House, along with three Pennsylvania senators and one House Representative.
105 signatures exist at the time of this writing.
The petition’s full statement is below:
Public transit forms the backbone of every major city. For us living in Pennsylvania, this statement rings increasingly true. Unfortunately, our essential service, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), has been persistently underfunded for decades. With this issue hitting close to home, it’s time we raise our voices and demand change. The GOP’s presence in the State House and Senate is significant and it’s high time they extend their influence to aid in saving public transit.
The repercussions of the underfunding are blatant and severe. We are experiencing a wave of service cuts along with unjustified fare hikes. This dual impact severely impairs our mobility and quality of life, and has far-reaching effects on the economy as well. According to the American Public Transportation Association, every dollar invested in public transportation generates approximately four dollars in economic returns. Not to mention, SEPTA alone aids in the employment of thousands of Pennsylvanians.
The secure funding of SEPTA and ceasing service reductions and fare hikes isn’t just a decision for the GOP. It is a decision for all of Pennsylvania and for every individual who utilizes public transit. It isn’t just about improving our state’s economy, it’s about preserving our mobility and way of life. We need the State House and Senate to recognize the importance of public transit and act in our best interests.
By signing this petition, you are supporting a move towards a more connected and mobile Pennsylvania. You are acknowledging the importance of public transit and urging the GOP to use their power for the betterment of the people they serve. Please sign the petition and take a step towards saving public transit in Pennsylvania.
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Photo: Change.org