1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

SEPTA is a vital transportation system serving nearly 800,000 daily riders across the Philadelphia region. Its continued operation is essential for the economic well-being of the city and the entire Commonwealth. While Gov. Shapiro's temporary funding redirection was a necessary stopgap, a permanent solution must be reached in the upcoming budget negotiations. Failure to fully fund SEPTA through a dedicated revenue stream would lead to devastating service cuts and fare hikes, triggering a catastrophic "death spiral" for the transit agency. This would cripple mobility, increase traffic congestion, hamper economic growth, and disproportionately impact low-income and marginalized communities who rely on public transportation. Full funding for SEPTA must be included in the budget, even if it risks a government shutdown over the issue. A comprehensive funding plan that ensures SEPTA's long-term sustainability is crucial for the region's economic competitiveness and quality of life.