Article Summary –
Autumn Fingerhood, a single mother from northeast Philadelphia, relies on a bus service for her daughter to get to school, but this service is at risk of being cut if Pennsylvania’s Republican-led Senate does not pass a state budget or a separate mass transit funding bill. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) faces a significant service reduction, affecting about 55,000 Philadelphia students and many others, if state funding is not secured, with Democrats pushing for increased funding for mass transit statewide while the Republican-controlled Senate remains resistant. Governor Josh Shapiro and Democratic lawmakers emphasize the statewide benefits of the proposed funding, arguing it supports public transit, road, and bridge infrastructure across Pennsylvania, but the Senate’s inaction continues to threaten these services and the livelihoods of those dependent on them.
For Autumn Fingerhood, a single mother juggling three jobs, public transportation is essential for her 15-year-old daughter’s daily commute to school. Yet, the bus service her daughter relies on faces potential cessation if Pennsylvania’s Republican-led Senate delays passing a state budget or standalone mass transit funding.
“How do you expect my daughter to get to school?” questioned Fingerhood, a northeast Philadelphia resident, at an Aug. 10 press conference about imminent transit cuts. “Without a bus, how can she join after-school activities? I’m a single mom with three jobs and no one else to depend on.”
Fingerhood added, “Who will drop her off and pick her up? Should I quit my jobs?”
With the state budget now six weeks overdue, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) warns of cutting half its services, including entire bus and rail lines, if state funding isn’t secured by Aug. 14. Service reductions are set for Aug. 25, just after Philadelphia public schools start. SEPTA, serving over 700,000 daily riders, is crucial for about 55,000 students according to Shapiro.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, and Democratic state House lawmakers advocated for the 2025-26 budget to include increased mass transit funding across all 67 counties, but the Republican-controlled Senate has resisted a vote, opposing public transit funding.
Pennsylvania’s constitution requires lawmakers to pass a balanced budget by June 30 each year, a deadline often missed. Last year’s budget was signed in July, while some, like 2016, were nine months late. This year’s budget impasse delays funding for schools, health departments, and early education programs.
The Democratic-led House passed its budget on July 14 and approved a bill on Aug. 11 to provide additional funding to mass transit agencies, but Senate Republicans are expected to resist. The Senate has convened only 25 days since Shapiro’s budget presentation on Feb. 4, with more sessions commencing on Aug. 12 to discuss the House bills.
House Bill 1788 proposes increasing state sales tax revenue for public transportation from 4.4% to 6.15%, adding $292 million in funding. The bill would also authorize $325 million in bonds for road and bridge maintenance.
Republican senators are unlikely to pass the legislation, issuing statements on Aug. 11 criticizing Democratic initiatives to increase public transport funding.
“Amid a month-long budget gridlock, Democrats diverted more state funds to Philadelphia’s transit system,” said Republican Rep. Tim O’Neal in a statement. “Taxpayer money should benefit all Pennsylvanians, not just one city.”
Shapiro and Democratic lawmakers emphasized that the funding supports statewide public transit and road repairs, including SEPTA.
“The funds I’m advocating for support mass transit in all 67 counties,” Shapiro stated at the Aug. 10 press conference at SEPTA’s Philadelphia HQ. “This isn’t just about Philadelphia or Pittsburgh; it’s a statewide issue we’re addressing together.”
“This supports moms getting home to their kids, students getting to school, and bus drivers supporting their families,” he continued. “Without this funding, reduced hours for bus drivers mean less income for their families.”
Fingerhood noted the severe impacts of transit cuts on Pennsylvania workers.
“Who benefits from these cuts?” Fingerhood asked. “Not workers, taxpayers, or students.”
“It feels like a war on our community,” Fingerhood insisted. “Harrisburg politicians must act and fund SEPTA.”
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