Delco’s Rep. Curry responds to SEPTA funding crisis
Rep. Gina H. Curry August 6, 2025
UPPER DARBY, Aug. 6 -- The PA House Transportation Committee met today to advance an omnibus transportation bill that pairs critical funding for SEPTA, as well as public transit and roads and bridges throughout Pennsylvania, with Republican Senate-introduced proposals for improved transit oversight. The bill, HB 1788, passed committee by a bipartisan vote of 16-10.
Following the meeting, state Rep. Gina Curry offered the following statement:
"This morning, SEPTA revealed the harsh impact months of Senate Republican inaction will have on commuters, students, and businesses in southeastern Pennsylvania.
“Transit is an essential need throughout the Commonwealth, and especially in densely populated areas like Delaware County. Our roads are already overcrowded, and our rush hour is already arduous because of the sheer number of commuters that need to get around our neighborhoods every day. Leaving SEPTA funding off the table would be irresponsible and devastating.
“Right now, SEPTA anticipates their cuts will go into effect on Aug. 24, just days before our public school systems begin the 2025-2026 school year. The new restricted bus, trolley, and regional rail lines will mean teachers, administrators, school staff, and students will all have a harder time getting to work and to class. Whether it’s because their bus line changed or because there are far more cars on the road, this school year will be much more stressful for everyone if we don’t get transit funded soon.
“People also need efficient transit to participate fully in our local economy. Cutting services is cutting jobs. Cutting services is restricting how people get to their jobs and whether they can keep their jobs. What are we going to do when our delivery drivers, maintenance workers, food service workers, and small business owners can’t get to work? When medical office staff and post office staff can’t get to work?
“In today’s meeting, we discussed a new bill, H.B. 1788, that will hopefully bridge the gap between the House and the Senate regarding SEPTA funding. It includes a balanced plan to fund mass transit and road and bridge repairs throughout Pennsylvania that already has the support of the House and combines with it a plan brought forward by the Senate to introduce more oversight and modernization to SEPTA’s services.
“The House already passed SEPTA funding four times, while Senate Republicans have done nothing to fund transit, and instead issued demands and conditions. Senate Republican leaders even stated funding transit is something they could live without.
“I am hopeful that this bipartisan initiative will swiftly move forward in the legislature so that we can keep our transit lines running effectively and alleviate the stress everyone in Delaware County is feeling right now.”