1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The proposed cuts and fare increases for SEPTA outlined in the fiscal year 2026 budget are deeply concerning. Eliminating 32 bus routes, shortening 12 more, reducing service on 63 additional routes by 45%, along with slashing rail operations would cripple transit accessibility for countless residents across Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. Fare hikes of 21.5% would also place an undue burden on riders, many of whom rely on SEPTA as their sole means of transportation. Public transit is a vital service and economic lifeline, connecting people to jobs, schools, healthcare and more. Cutting routes and raising fares risks leaving vulnerable populations stranded and restricting mobility for the workforce that drives our regional economy. Scaling back operations to this degree would be severely detrimental and diminish quality of life. I urge state legislators to approve increased funding for SEPTA as proposed by Governor Shapiro to maintain and expand transit services crucial to our communities. Investing in robust public transportation pays dividends by reducing traffic congestion, emissions, and household transportation costs while fostering equitable access to opportunities. The long-term costs of neglecting this integral infrastructure would far outweigh providing SEPTA the resources it needs. Public transit is a public good that warrants prioritizing people's mobility over austerity.