Governor Josh Shapiro is proposing a major increase in funding for public transit in Pennsylvania. His proposal, which will be included in his upcoming budget address, calls for a 1.75% increase in the state’s share of public transit funding, which equates to an additional $282.8 million over five years.
The governor argues that a well-run public transit system is essential to the economic growth and vitality of Pennsylvania. He noted that public transit helps attract new businesses to the state, makes it easier for people to get to work, and will be critical in supporting the millions of visitors who are expected to come to Pennsylvania for major events like the FIFA World Cup and the MLB All-Star Game in 2026.
“Hundreds of thousands of people across our Commonwealth rely on public transit every day to commute to work, go to school, and get to where they need to go — and Pennsylvanians deserve clean, safe, cost-effective ways to travel throughout our cities and towns,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “That’s true all across our Commonwealth, whether you’re traveling to work in Philadelphia on SEPTA or you’re a student in Pittsburgh using PRT to get to school. Investing in and improving our public transit systems is a commonsense way to create good-paying jobs, spur economic development, and help Pennsylvanians reach their destinations safely. For months, my Administration has worked with local public transit leadership and elected officials to understand their needs and I now call on the General Assembly to join me in making the first significant investment in Pennsylvania’s public transit systems in over a decade.”
The proposal has been met with some skepticism from some quarters, with some arguing that the additional funding could be better used to address other infrastructure needs. However, the governor maintains that the investment is essential to ensuring the long-term viability of Pennsylvania’s public transit system.
If approved, the increase in funding is expected to have a positive impact on the quality of life for millions of Pennsylvanians who rely on public transit to get around. Improved public transit also has the potential to create jobs and stimulate the economy.
The governor is hopeful that the General Assembly will support his proposal and that the additional funding will be instrumental in improving the public transit system and making Pennsylvania a more attractive place to live and work.
Story source: Office of Governor Shapiro