Urgent Action Required: Prevent Devastating SEPTA Service Cuts and Fare Hikes

I am writing to express my deep concern over the impending $213 million budget deficit facing the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), which threatens to result in a 45% reduction in service and a 21.5% fare increase starting this August. These drastic measures would have a profound impact on our communities. Riders have voiced that they rely on SEPTA for daily commutes, medical appointments, and accessing essential services. For many, especially those without alternative transportation options, these cuts could mean job losses, missed medical treatments, and increased isolation. Moreover, the proposed service reductions and fare hikes would disproportionately affect low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities, exacerbating existing inequalities. Public transportation is not a luxury—it is a lifeline that connects residents to opportunities and sustains our local economies. Governor Shapiro's proposal to increase annual state funding for public transportation by $292 million over the next five years is a step in the right direction. However, immediate action is necessary to prevent the looming crisis. I urge you to support this proposal and work collaboratively to ensure that SEPTA receives the funding it needs to maintain current service levels and fare structures. Failure to act now will not only disrupt the lives of countless Pennsylvanians but also undermine our state's economic vitality and commitment to equitable access to transportation.