Dear Friends,
Across Pennsylvania — from rural towns to big cities — millions of people rely on public transportation every day. In fact, Pennsylvanians take nearly half a billion transit trips each year. Despite how essential these services are, transit agencies in all 67 counties are now facing serious threats — including major service cuts and fare hikes that put systems like SEPTA and Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PTR) at risk. Over the past few months, many of you have reached out to share your concerns about these cuts — and I want you to know that I hear you, and I share those concerns. That’s why, earlier this month, the House passed House Bill 1364, a proposal now in the hands of the Senate, that would provide critical funding to protect and preserve public transit throughout the Commonwealth.
This week, I want to highlight this critical piece of legislation which I co-sponsored. House Bill 1364 proposes a $292.5 million investment in public transit next year. This funding would support transit agencies across Pennsylvania that are struggling due to service cuts and fare hikes. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support, 107–96, and awaits action in the Senate.
House Bill 1364 represents a vital investment in Pennsylvania’s transportation network, addressing critical needs across the state, from supporting transit in busy areas to repairing aging roads and bridges that connect our communities to jobs, schools, and essential services. With millions relying on these systems, including seniors, children, workers, and food delivery, adequate funding is essential to prevent delays, closures, and disruptions that would impact daily life.
Some have tried to label House Bill 1364 as a “bailout” for transit systems as an excuse to avoid supporting public transit. It is not a bailout. This bill is a smart, necessary investment in Pennsylvania’s people and infrastructure. Every corner of our Commonwealth has urgent needs, and every community deserves to have those needs addressed with respect and urgency.
In reality, most counties in Pennsylvania don’t have the tax base to fund their infrastructure on their own. They rely on the economic powerhouses of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Allegheny County. Just six counties generate nearly half of the state’s entire budget, ours included, but receive less than 25% of that investment back. This bill doesn’t ask for favors, or a bailout, it asks for fairness and reinvestment in the regions that help keep Pennsylvania running.
This bill benefits all 67 counties by strengthening transit and providing much-needed repairs to infrastructure that keeps goods and services moving efficiently. If left unaddressed, failing roads and bridges could jeopardize major events like next year’s MLB All-Star Game, America’s 250th celebrations, and FIFA World Cup matches. HB 1364 would deliver the largest increase in transit funding in over a decade, protecting tens of thousands of jobs and improving public transportation—all without raising taxes. By reallocating existing sales tax revenue from 4.4% to 6.15%, the bill generates about $300 million for mass transit and $500 million for statewide infrastructure improvements, creating safer, faster, and more reliable travel while supporting the economy.
Investing in public transit means investing in Pennsylvania’s economy. Nearly 40,000 people are directly employed by our state’s transit systems, generating an estimated $5.4 billion in economic activity each year. Transit also supports thousands of indirect jobs in industries like manufacturing, maintenance, logistics, and retail. Every $1 million invested in mass transit creates about 500 direct jobs, and thousands more through suppliers, vendors, and service providers. Mass transit isn’t only about moving people, it’s about enabling employers to hire and grow. Reliable transportation gives businesses the confidence that their employees can get to work safely and consistently.
One such example is SEPTA: it employs nearly 10,000 people directly and contributes around $4.1 billion in economic impact. SEPTA also spends over $200 million each year purchasing materials and services from Pennsylvania-based businesses — supporting thousands of jobs across the Commonwealth. Even if someone never rides a bus or train, they may still depend on transit to put food on the table — whether they build parts, supply materials, or work for a business that relies on transit to operate.
It’s a common misconception that public transit only matters in big cities — but the truth is, its impact reaches every corner of Pennsylvania. Each year, Americans take more than 10 billion trips on public transit — and half a billion of those happen right here in the Commonwealth. Over a million Pennsylvanians ride transit every day, and nine out of ten use it to get to work or school.
Moreover, public transit isn’t just about daily commutes. It’s also a lifeline in rural areas, where paratransit services often make the difference between access and isolation, especially for people with disabilities or older adults. For some, these services are the only way to get to a doctor, a pharmacy, or the grocery store.
Transit also supports our environment. A strong, reliable transit system encourages people to leave their cars behind — reducing traffic, cutting emissions, and improving air quality. Public transit is significantly more fuel-efficient than private vehicles, especially when measured by the number of passengers moved per gallon.
Just yesterday, the SEPTA board approved a budget plan to address a projected $213 million deficit. The plan includes significant service cuts, with a 45% reduction across all SEPTA lines, the elimination of five Regional Rail lines and 55 bus routes, the closure of 66 stations, and a new 9 p.m. curfew on all rail services. In addition to these cuts, the board approved a 21.5% fare increase affecting around 800,000 daily riders, alongside workforce reductions to help manage costs.
The drastic cuts and fare hikes have been described as a “doomsday” budget by some, reflecting the severity of the financial challenges SEPTA faces. Riders have expressed frustration and worry about the loss of key routes, which many depend on to get to work, school, and essential appointments. SEPTA’s decisions highlight the ongoing struggle to balance budget constraints with the critical need to provide reliable public transportation throughout the region.
I’m hopeful my Senate colleagues will realize that investing in public transit isn’t just an urban issue, it’s a statewide necessity, and a priority for the economic welfare of the commonwealth. Public transit supports our economy, protects vulnerable residents, and helps build a cleaner, more connected Pennsylvania. The bill sits with the Senate Transportation Committee. Please consider reaching out to Committee chair, Senator Judy Ward, Senate Leader Joe Pittman, and your Senator about this important issue. If you live in North Wales Borough, Upper Gwynedd or Towamencin Townships, Senator Tracy Pennycuick represents you. If you are in Lower Gwynedd or Whitpain Townships, Senator Maria Collett represents you.