Breakfast Briefing: Funding and Access for Public Transit in PA

Описание: On Friday, April 26 we heard from Representatives Jessica Benham (HD-36, Allegheny County) and Jennifer O’Mara (HD-165, Delaware County) along with Cheryl Stephens, Organizing Manager at Pittsburghers for Public Transit who spoke about the importance of funding and access.

Public transit in Pennsylvania is more than just a means of transportation, it's a vital solution to the diverse challenges our communities face. Cheryl shared key issues that underscore why support for public transit is essential:

– Economic engine: Public transit contributes significantly to Pennsylvania's economy by facilitating connectivity, supporting businesses and creating jobs

– Climate and environmental solution: Investing in public transit reduces carbon emissions and mitigates the impact of climate change, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment

– Equity iIssue: Public transit plays a crucial role in ensuring access to transportation for low-income individuals and communities, addressing disparities in mobility and opportunity

Despite its crucial role, public transit in PA faces significant challenges:

1. Underfunded: Rep. O'Mara highlighted the dire funding situation at SEPTA, emphasizing the urgent need for increased support. Underfunding of SEPTA by the Republican Senate has perpetuated transit challenges for decades.

2. Statewide equity issue: Rep. Benham's experience in Pittsburgh underscores the equity issue, where lack of bus frequency forces reliance on personal vehicles, impacting environmental sustainability and accessibility.

3. COVID-19 impact: The pandemic-induced decline in ridership has intensified financial pressures on transit agencies. This reduction creates a feedback loop: lower ridership affects schedules, and altered schedules further impact ridership. This cycle poses a significant challenge as diminished ridership makes it difficult to demonstrate the need for funding, perpetuating the risk of underfunding.

4. Workforce challenges: Recruitment struggles and retention issues highlight the importance of increased funding to improve wages and benefits, ensuring a sustainable workforce for the future.

To address these issues, the Transit for All PA! campaign advocates for:

– Governor's proposal: Supporting Governor Shapiro's proposed increase in the state sales tax allocation to the Public Transportation Trust Fund, aiming to bolster service, worker compensation and fare affordability

– A local funding initiative: Urging Harrisburg to pass legislation enabling municipalities to raise local funds for transit projects, unlocking federal infrastructure dollars.

By supporting these initiatives, we can ensure a sustainable and equitable public transit system that serves the needs of all Pennsylvanians.

Thanks for joining us, we're excited to have you on board. Don't miss out on our upcoming Breakfast Briefings. Sign up for our events here - https://www.mobilize.us/representpa/ - to be the first in line for the latest updates and exclusive invitations!