Public transit systems across Pennsylvania are in need of additional funding, and Gov. Josh Shapiro is hoping to help secure the money by proposing a new state budget.
Shapiro is calling for an increase of 1.75 percent in state funding for public transit, which amounts to nearly $282.8 million over a period of five years.
The governor made his proposal during a visit to Lancaster and Langhorne on Friday. He says the funding is essential to improving the quality of life for Pennsylvanians who rely on public transit to commute to work, go to school, and travel.
“Safe, clean, on-time public transit is essential to Pennsylvanians’ daily lives and our economic growth,” Shapiro said.
The governor was joined by a number of transit leaders and lawmakers who expressed support for his proposal.
SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards says the additional funding will allow SEPTA to hire dozens of new police officers and improve safety.
“With support from Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal, we plan to hire 40 new police officers next year, which would significantly enhance our patrols, uniformed police presence, and enforcement efforts,” Richards said.
The funding proposal has the support of a broad coalition of transit leaders and elected officials, and Shapiro is hopeful that the additional investment will be instrumental in improving the quality of life for Pennsylvanians who rely on public transit.