1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to include new public transit funding in this year’s state budget. As a Philadelphia resident, I rely on the services SEPTA provides for the city. If SEPTA is forced to balance a massive budget deficit without additional state funding for public transportation, myself and hundreds of thousands of other residents will be left without transportation to and from our jobs, schools, medical appointments, and other important activities. Public transit is not an optional expense, it is vital infrastructure. As my elected official, I expect you to take immediate action to adequately fund SEPTA and transit systems across Pennsylvania by working with your colleagues in the State Capitol to deliver the funding transit systems urgently need—before SEPTA must implement service cuts and fare hikes that will cripple the city and make riding inaccessible for many of the riders who need it most. This won’t just lead to fewer buses or longer wait times—it will lead to lost jobs, missed opportunities, increased pressure on our already overburdened roadways. In turn, because of the reductions SEPTA will be forced to make, people who can will look to leave the state for cities that provide the essentials for their citizens. This will all cause a serious blow to our state's economy, as it will decimate Philadelphia’s infrastructure and ability to generate the funds that are a significant contribution to the state's General Fund, as the city generates a substantial portion of the state's revenues, of which I’m sure you are well aware. Please be the voice in Harrisburg of countless riders in Philadelphia and protect our transit system. Thank you for your leadership.