Philadelphia’s struggling transit system will be able to delay a 30 percent fare raise, but the temporary fix won't do nearly enough to close its budget gap.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will receive $153 million in federal highway funding to avoid service cuts and fare hikes, reports Stephen Caruso in Spotlight PA.
“Just like we prepare and maintain our roads and bridges in those rural and in those suburban communities, I think we owe it to the good people of Pennsylvania who take mass transit to be there for them and their families as well,” said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro when making the announcement.
The temporary solution will allow the agency to delay a proposed 30 percent fare hike, but falls short of SEPTA’s $240 million budget deficit. “Board Chair Ken Lawrence warned of more service cuts that would begin on July 1, 2025, unless SEPTA secures more funding.” The agency faces an existential crisis with no new long-term funding source and still plans to eliminate its Key card discount starting on December 1.
FULL STORY: Shapiro will give SEPTA $153M in federal funding to avoid cuts and fare hikes
Why Philly’s SEPTA Faces a ‘Death Spiral’
The state has not offered a sustainable source of funding to meet the transit agency’s $240 million budget gap.
Transit Service Cuts Likely Coming to Your Town
Absent additional state or federal funding, public transit systems across the nation could be forced to reduce service.
SEPTA Faces Service Cuts
Philadelphia wants its city workers back in the office, but getting there may be a challenge.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service