Today, SEPTA joined Pittsburgh in announcing massive cuts to service and fare increases. This would effectively kill public transit in the region, and the ensuing damage to Philly’s riders, economy, healthcare system, road congestion and air quality is incalculable.
In response to unprecedented cuts, we must organize for an unprecedented solution! Tell your legislators it’s time for statewide action.
Save Pennsylvania’s Transit Funding! https://secure.everyaction.com/FormProgress/29onpu5E3k2zxb_sxFXenQ2?formShortCode=Contact InformationPrefix (Optional)First NameLast NameStreet AddressPostal CodeCityState- State -ALAKAZARCACOCTDEDCFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMDMAMIMNMSMOMTNENVNHNJNMNYNCNDOHOKORPARISCSDTNTXUTVTVAWAWVWIWYASGUMPPRVIFMMHPWAAAEAPEmailMobile Phone (Optional)Yes, sign me up for email updates.Remember me so that I can use FastAction next time.
Save PA’s Transit Funding!
Dear [elected official] and Leaders in the Senate and House,
In the last decade, the funding formula for public transportation has remained stagnant, even as costs for transit agencies have continued to rise. Now, across the state, transit systems are hitting a funding cliff, which would devastate communities already suffering under similar cuts enacted over the past several years due to funding austerity. This would effectively kill public transit in our region, and the commensurate damage to our riders, our economy, our healthcare system, our road congestion, and air quality is incalculable.Personalize your message
Transit riders are ready with a response that meets the scale of the crisis. Over the last several years, Transit for All PA! has been organizing for full state funding source to provide the transit services riders across the Commonwealth need. We are a coalition of thousands of residents, from communities ranging from Philadelphia to Pottstown, Bellefonte to Bellevue. And together, we have a shared demand: for state legislators to pass a new, dedicated source of funding for public transit, sufficient to restore transit service across the state to 2019 levels– and to expand transit service in communities outside Pittsburgh and Philadelphia by an additional 10%. Better transit- not worse- is possible, is necessary, and is transformative. I’m calling on you to be a champion for a new dedicated funding source for our statewide Public Transportation Trust Fund, so that we restore the reliable, affordable access to jobs, healthcare, and food that we deserve.
Sincerely, [Your information here]
Live in Philly? Join us in the streets on 4/11!
RSVP to the rally at city hall!
[Image Description: A collage of smiling people holding signs that describes how transit moves them. In the center is text that reads, “Transit Moves Us”], with a heart showing Rosa Park’s face and the Transit for All PA! logo.]
SEPTA announced fixed route service cuts up to 45% and fare increases of 21.5%. The impacts on disabled riders would be even more profound, with 40,000 paratransit trips per year no longer served by SEPTA ACCESS, and fares increased by 35%.
This is not just an Philadelphia issue. In all 67 counties of the Commonwealth, public transportation provides critical access for our elders, youth, disabled community members, and households without access to a personal vehicle. Transit systems statewide are hitting a funding “cliff,” which would devastate communities already suffering under similar cuts enacted over the past several years due to funding austerity.
Just two weeks ago, Pittsburgh Regional Transit announced cuts to fixed route service of up to 35% with an additional 9% increase in fares. This is on top of 20% service cuts over just the last 5 years in Allegheny County. The lack of dedicated, expanded transit funding affects people riding to work in Allentown on LANTA, elders moving around their community safely in Erie, and disabled community members using paratransit in Harrisburg.
Over the last several years, our statewide coalition Transit for All PA! has been organizing for a new, dedicated state funding source to fund the transit services riders across the Commonwealth need. We are a coalition of thousands from communities of all sizes and geographies, and we have a shared demand: to restore transit service across the state to 2019 levels– and to expand transit service in communities outside Pittsburgh and Philadelphia by an additional 10%.
Last week, on a Transit for All PA! statewide call with over 200 transit riders and workers, communities across the Commonwealth ratified a demand and the funding solutions that would meet our collective needs. This funding package would go beyond austerity, and ensure transit funding stability and service restoration for all 67 counties statewide.
Better transit- not worse- is possible, is necessary, and is transformative. We’re ready to bring this challenge to our state elected leaders: will you meet this moment with us?
Live in Philly? Join us in the streets on 4/11!
RSVP to the rally at city hall!
Want to take your organizing a step further?
1. Volunteer to join a meeting with your elected officials! Through May, we’re gathering advocates to visit state legislators in-person at their local offices.
Join T4APA for a meeting with your state legislator
2. Live outside Philly and Pittsburgh metros? Public transit operates IN EVERY SINGLE PA COUNTY – whether as shared rides that bring seniors to grocery stores, dial-a-ride that brings patients to medical appointments, or small fixed-route buses that connect rural communities.
Join the Next Smaller Systems Working Group
