Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Powell bill to provide flexibility for spending on transit development passes state House

Powell bill to provide flexibility for spending on transit development passes state House

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    October 8, 2025 | 5:23 PM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – As transit agencies across Pennsylvania request additional funds to keep operating at current rates, the state House has passed a bill introduced by state Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, that would provide greater flexibility in funding for local transit-related redevelopment projects.

The legislation, H.B. 1874, would update funding policies for the Transit Revitalization Investment District program, also known as TRID. TRIDs are special districts that use future tax revenue growth in a neighborhood to pay for projects such as transit access, housing and development near busways or train stations.

“The projects TRIDs support do not just improve our transit system,” said Powell. “They improve our economy by attracting private investment, creating jobs and opportunities, and bringing new life to our communities.”

Under current law, once a TRID ends, redevelopment authorities lose access to the funding the TRID provided, even if redevelopment work is ongoing. Powell’s legislation would ensure that redevelopment authorities can keep a small share of the increased tax revenue after a TRID ends.

“This would provide a major boost to the tax base for our local governments,” said Powell. “It would also ensure that redevelopment authorities have the resources they need to keep improving our neighborhoods, even well beyond the TRID boundaries.”

Powell’s legislation comes as local transit agencies, including Pittsburgh Regional Transit and SEPTA, requested millions of dollars in capital assistance funds to sustain their operations without drastically increasing fares.

“We keep seeing our transit problems pushed off to be dealt with another day,” said Powell. “This legislation would ensure that our communities have tools they need to grow and thrive in the long term.”

House Bill 1874 now moves to the state Senate for consideration.