1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned resident of West Chester in Chester County to express my deep frustration and alarm regarding the recent and proposed cutbacks to SEPTA regional rail and transit service. These reductions are already having a harmful impact on commuters, families, and workers throughout our area, and they threaten the economic and social vitality of our entire region. For many residents, SEPTA is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. It connects our communities to Philadelphia and beyond, providing access to jobs, education, healthcare, and cultural institutions. The cutbacks are making commutes longer, less reliable, and in some cases, impossible. For those of us who travel to Philadelphia regularly, this is more than a mere inconvenience—it’s a serious disruption to our daily lives and livelihoods. Even more concerning is the growing disconnection from New York City. Amtrak, while available, is simply not a financially feasible alternative for most working people. With prices often exceeding $100 round-trip, it’s out of reach for regular commuters, small business owners, and families. The idea that regional rail service is being diminished while the only alternative is so cost prohibitive is incredibly disheartening. Reliable, affordable, and accessible public transportation is not just a convenience—it’s essential infrastructure. Pennsylvania should be leading the way in building strong connections between its urban centers and surrounding communities, not watching them deteriorate. I urge you to fight for increased funding, sustainable planning, and federal-state partnerships that protect and expand our regional transportation networks, especially SEPTA. Our communities cannot thrive in isolation. We need our leaders to stand up and ensure we’re not being left behind. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing how you plan to advocate for our region’s transit needs.