A Pennsylvania House committee on Wednesday rejected a bill that had been approved in theSenate led by Republicans that incorporated funding for public transportation, meaning it's probably back to square one for SEPTA a day before the start of what the transit authority refers to as a"doomsday scenario."
The vote resulted in a 18-15 split along party lines in the House Rules Committee, which is controlled by Democrats, and occurs one day before SEPTA's deadline for initiating the process ofimplementing 20% service cuts.
Lawmakers approved an amendment to the bill, proposed by Republican state Senator Joe Picozzi from Northeast Philadelphia, in a 27-22 vote strictly along party lines on Tuesday.
The Republican party aimed to allocate approximately $300 million annually for the following two years from the Pennsylvania Transit Trust Fund. Picozzi stated that the bill would serve as a "bridge" to finance SEPTA for the next two years while legislators focus on developing a long-term plan.
Members of the House Democratic party, SEPTA officials, and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll expressed opposition to the proposal on Wednesday, claiming that the Republican-backed plan would shift capital funds to operational expenses, thereby reducing financial support for infrastructure improvements. SEPTA also highlighted the necessity of replacing its outdated rail cars, with general manager Scott Sauer noting that they are over 50 years old.
"The train cars are over 50 years old. This issue dates back to the Nixon era. We need to update these cars. And that's just one example. Our whole train fleet needs to be replaced. And we must carry out this capital project in a way that ensures the system remains safe indefinitely," Sauer stated.
Whether the withdrawal of funds would impact capital projects that have already been planned has been a point of contention between Republicans and Democrats.
A public transportation trust fund holds a balance of $2.4 billion, with approximately half of it available for general use and not designated for particular capital projects, said Sen. Frank A. Farry, a Republican representing portions of Bucks County.
The Democratic party has resisted allocating that funds for SEPTA's daily expenses.
"Transferring funds from capital expenditures to operating expenses essentially means underfunding SEPTA," stated Rep. Jordan A. Harris, a Democrat who leads the Appropriations Committee.
House Democrats stated that both parties must return to the negotiation table, whereas Republican leaders maintain that this was the appropriate agreement.
We have repeatedly mentioned that we will consider a mix of revenues. We're not indicating that anything is excluded," said Democratic state Representative Matt Bradford from Montgomery County. "However, the challenge we face right now is determining what SEPTA needs to guarantee its continued safe and secure operation. The notion of undermining the system by diverting capital funds, compromising safety and security, is impractical.
The notion that money can't be adjusted. The governor demonstrated otherwise," said Republican Representative Jesse Topper. "You know how many shovel-ready projects were available in rural Pennsylvania when those funds were redirected to rescue SEPTA? We all agree that public transportation is essential for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. However, it must be handled within the framework of a complete budget plan.
In a statement issued following Tuesday's vote, a representative of Shapiro criticized Picozzi's suggestion.
While Gov. Shapiro values the Senate Republicans' recognition of the necessity to finance public transportation systems throughout the state, this is evidently not a genuine, long-term plan that can gain approval in both legislative bodies," said Shapiro's representative. "It's time to return to the negotiation table and continue the effort.
Currently, this means legislators have no agreement available that can gain approval in both houses.
Sauer mentioned that the system will make every effort to undo the reductions if financial support is granted in the future. In the meantime, Bradford advised passengers to get ready for the modifications.
SEPTA officials had previously indicated that the state funding is required by Thursday, as the transit authority needs 10 days to adapt to potential changes in the schedule. This period will also be utilized to update the SEPTA app and other information sources, such as digital displays, automated announcements, and all bus and train signs.
It is uncertain when the House or Senate will reconvene to address the matter.
SEPTA passengers respond to potential reductions
Approximately 800,000 individuals utilize SEPTA on a daily basis. Commuters who contacted CBS News Philadelphia on Wednesday expressed increasing dissatisfaction.
The incisions are scheduled to start one day priorStudents of the Philadelphia School District return to school.
It's a sad situation," someone remarked. "Some children might have choices, while others don't have anything at all. ... This is the essence of the city, and I believe it will lead to its downfall. There isn't enough space for the cars, the residents, and the workers. It's unsustainable, so they need to find the money somehow.
Another rider mentioned he cannot afford to use Uber and Lyft, and the reductions will hinder his progress.
What's next for SEPTA?
Without funding, SEPTA states that it will have to:
- Eliminate 32 bus routes
- Shorten 16 bus routes
- Cut back service on the 88 bus, Regional Rail, and subway lines
- Reduce five Regional Rail lines and the Broad-Ridge Spur subway
- Cut all remaining services by 20%
- Implement a 9 p.m. curfew for metro and regional rail services
- Remove special services such as sports express trains
- Increase prices by 21.5% beginning September 1st
Regional Rail service would be cut starting September 2. Train frequencies would decrease by between 20% and 50%, which means that during certain times of the week, trains that previously ran hourly would now operate every two hours.