1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge prioritization of robust and dedicated state funding for public transit in Pennsylvania. The recently announced service cuts and fare hikes by transit agencies like SEPTA in Philadelphia and Port Authority in Pittsburgh will have devastating impacts on communities across the Commonwealth. Public transportation provides essential access for seniors, youth, disabled individuals, and households without personal vehicles. These service reductions will isolate vulnerable populations and make it incredibly difficult for people to get to work, medical appointments, and meet their basic needs. The lack of stable funding is forcing painful choices on transit agencies statewide. This is unacceptable. Public transit should be viewed as vital infrastructure that connects our communities and enables economic opportunity. We cannot allow short-sighted austerity policies to further degrade these critical services. Transit for All PA!'s reasonable proposal would restore service to 2019 levels statewide, expand service by 10% outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and put transit funding on sustainable footing for the long-term. This is an investment in our shared future that will pay dividends through increased mobility, improved air quality, economic growth, and more equitable access. I implore you to work towards enacting the dedicated transit funding solutions advocated by Transit for All PA!. The devastating impacts of insufficient transit funding have gone on for too long. Our communities deserve better. Please prioritize this issue and take decisive action to support the public transit systems that countless Pennsylvanians rely upon every day.