Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro Approves $394M SEPTA Funding to Maintain Transit Service

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has approved SEPTA's request to use nearly $400 million from its capital assistance funds to maintain daily transit operations and avoid service cuts for the next two years. This decision follows a judge's order for SEPTA to restore recent service reductions, although a 21.5% fare increase remains permitted. SEPTA faces a budget deficit exceeding $300 million, and the funding approval ensures continued service for nearly 800,000 daily riders, including students and workers, especially ahead of major 2026 events such as America's 250th anniversary and the FIFA World Cup. Shapiro criticized Senate Republicans for blocking a long-term funding solution, emphasizing that the approved funds were uncommitted capital assistance and would not divert money from other transit projects. The governor's administration has proposed a significant increase in state transit funding, including $292 million for mass transit statewide and $153 million in federal highway funds for SEPTA, but legislative gridlock has hindered permanent solutions. SEPTA's General Manager Scott Sauer highlighted that the funding would preserve existing services and prevent further service cuts amid the ongoing financial crisis.