Governor Approves $394 Million Funding for SEPTA to Maintain Services
FOX 29's morning news team provides the latest updates on local, regional, and national news. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently approved SEPTA's request to utilize up to $394 million in capital assistance funds to support daily operations. This decision follows a court order mandating SEPTA to restore services that were cut earlier in the month. Governor Shapiro authorized the Department of Transportation to allocate nearly $400 million in capital assistance to SEPTA to maintain its services for the next two years. This move aims to prevent service reductions and ensure the continuation of critical transportation services, especially with upcoming events like America's 250th anniversary, the FIFA World Cup, and the MLB All-Star Game. Despite efforts to increase state transit funding and allocate federal highway funds to SEPTA, Governor Shapiro criticized Pennsylvania Senate Republicans for not agreeing on a long-term solution for mass transit funding. The administration emphasizes the importance of providing reliable transportation services for SEPTA riders to access work, school, and other essential destinations. SEPTA faced a significant fiscal crisis, leading to a 20% reduction in services at the beginning of the month, including discontinuing over 30 bus routes. While a judge ruled in favor of reversing the service cuts, SEPTA can proceed with a planned 21.5% fare increase.