Restore Full SEPTA Funding, Bucks Co. Democratic Lawmakers Say

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Bucks County's Democratic lawmakers are calling for SEPTA to be fully funded in this year's state budget.

At the Levittown SEPTA Station on Thursday, State Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-10) was joined by State Reps. Tina Davis (D-141), Jim Prokopiak (D-140), Perry Warren (D-31), and Tim Brennan (D-29).

The Democratic delegation highlighted the critical impact the public transit agency has on the Philadelphia region and the "devastating impact" proposed service cuts and fare hikes would have on Bucks County residents.

“Full funding for SEPTA is critical for our region and for the Commonwealth,” Santarsiero said. “For years, Senate Republicans have kicked the can down the road, refusing to fund SEPTA in a meaningful way. We must invest in SEPTA to ensure the long-term success of the agency, its riders, its workers, and the countless communities whose economies depend on public transit. I applaud Gov. Josh Shapiro’s commitment to SEPTA funding in this year’s budget and call on my Republican colleagues in the state Senate to fully fund SEPTA as we negotiate the budget.”

Santarsiero noted that an April Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Modeling Analysis of SEPTA’s Proposed Service Reduction would result in 30% longer delays on I-95/I-295 in Bucks County and more delays further south.

“This impacts everyone, even if you aren’t riding SEPTA every day,” the senator said.

The proposed cuts come as SEPTA faces a projected $213 million structural budget deficit in Fiscal Year 2026, the result of rising operating costs and the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds.

SEPTA has warned it may need to eliminate five Regional Rail lines, discontinue 50 bus routes, and impose fare increases averaging 21.5 percent, along with a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail service. Suggested cuts include eliminating the Trenton Line.

Bucks County Commissioner Chair Bob Harvie, who sits on the SEPTA Board of Directors, said, "Businesses and residents across Bucks County rely on public transportation every day. It’s a major part of our county’s success and the wealth created for our Commonwealth. Failing to adequately fund public transportation will have a massive impact on all Pennsylvanians."

“Public transportation connects our communities, supports our economy, and helps reduce traffic and pollution,” Rep. Warren said. “When service is cut, it affects how people get to work, school, and vital appointments —it impacts everyday lives.”

The House members emphasized the commitment of its members to funding public transit, including SEPTA, and called on Senate Republicans to act to prevent disastrous cuts to service and costly fare hikes.

“This fare hike would hit the very people who rely on public transit the most—individuals and families who may not have other transportation options,” Rep. Davis said. “We cannot place an even greater burden on riders who are already stretching their budgets just to get to work or school. Public transit should be accessible and affordable for everyone.”

The legislators were joined by advocates and concerned citizens, including members of Transit for All PA, Save the Train Coalition, and the Transit Workers Union, who echoed support for funding SEPTA.

“Drastic cuts to SEPTA service are simply not an option we can afford to entertain. The southeast region is an economic engine for the entire commonwealth, and a strong functional public transit system is both in the short- and long-term interests of this region. SEPTA helps commuters get to work, eases traffic congestion on our already overburdened roads, and connects visitors with our shops, restaurants and cultural destinations,” Rep. Brennan said. “SEPTA is a critical piece of our economic infrastructure that supports jobs, tourism, and accessibility. Undermining this system would lead to a ripple effect of harm, stifling growth and taking our transportation system backwards at time we should be investing in sustainable, forward-thinking solutions.”

SEPTA will hold public hearings in May, with a final vote on the proposed budget set for June 26.

Public comment can be submitted via email at operatingbudget@septa.org or by calling 215-580-7772. All comments must be submitted by May 28. The changes would take effect starting with the fall schedule on August 24.

For more information on SEPTA’s proposal, visit https://septa.org/fundingcrisis.