Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to SEPTA Board approval of budget
Philadelphia House Delegation June 26, 2025 | 4:54 PM
HARRISBURG, June 26 – Following today’s vote by the SEPTA Board to approve their Fiscal Year 2026 Operating and Capital Budget proposal, Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., offered the following reaction:
“This is a day that we hoped would not come, but SEPTA has done what they said they would do and approved an operating budget that includes devastating service cuts and fare increases across all modes and lines of travel. We still have an opportunity to avoid this crisis for our region. The state House has passed a plan that would create sustainable funding for SEPTA and transit systems across the state, while funding projects for roads and bridges, as well. We just need Senate leadership to understand the severity of inaction. We cannot afford to dismantle SEPTA.
“The cost of allowing mass transit to wither will be seen in additional traffic and longer commutes on already over-burdened roads and bridges; a weakened economy across the state, not just in Philly; environmental impacts from more cars on the road; and a less competitive job market for our region, to name a few.
“The initial cuts and fare hikes approved by the SEPTA Board today won’t take effect until the end of the summer, so we have a clear timeline for action in front of us. Our immediate course is through continued negotiating for an agreement with the Senate in the current state budget process.
“Properly funding SEPTA is an investment in all communities across PA. Our regional economy is a main driver for statewide prosperity. What benefits Philadelphia, benefits all of Pennsylvania, and SEPTA is a crucial key to our success.
“I’m hopeful that we can find agreement in the coming days and weeks to avoid the severe and sweeping impacts of today’s announcement.”