In response to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s announcement today that he would allocate $153 million in federal highway funds to prevent a “death spiral” of fare hikes and service cuts for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA), Evergreen Action Senior State Program Director Justin Balik released the following statement:

“Governor Shapiro’s swift action to save SEPTA is a winner for affordability, for Pennsylvania’s economy and for the climate. Preventing the death spiral of the nation’s 6th largest public transit system will mean that Pennsylvanians can keep more of what they earn, workers have more options to get to their jobs, and Pennsylvania can prevent climate pollution through more public transit use. 

“SEPTA is vital to the prosperity of the region as well as the broader Pennsylvania economy. Today's action sets the stage for the legislature to return next year and enact a comprehensive funding solution to keep SEPTA affordable and functioning. Pennsylvanians deserve fully funded public transit options to reduce their commute times and reduce pollution in the air and water.  As we look to make progress tackling the climate crisis, more states should take similar actions to Pennsylvania’s by using flexible federal funds to invest in mass transit and other projects that lower climate pollution.”

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