1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

Pennsylvania's public transportation systems, including SEPTA, are facing a crisis due to insufficient operating funds. This threatens service cuts and fare increases that would severely impact riders across the Commonwealth. We urge the legislature to approve the proposed 1.75% increase in the state sales tax allocation for the Public Transportation Trust Fund. This modest funding increase, which does not require a tax hike, is critical to maintaining and improving transit services that countless Pennsylvanians rely on daily. Robust public transit boosts our economic competitiveness, eases traffic congestion, reduces pollution, and provides vital connections for the elderly, disabled, and those without access to personal vehicles. Failing to adequately fund transit operations would undermine our state's progress and quality of life. We cannot afford service disruptions – the full 1.75% allocation increase must be approved to stabilize our transit agencies and avoid devastating cuts.