Come Aug. 24, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority will face a 45 percent cut in services if the state legislature fails to fund the agency. This includes a 9 p.m. service curfew, the elimination of 50 bus routes and the closure of 66 rail stations.
The Triangle’s Editorial Board believes that it is imperative to adequately fund SEPTA operations and allow investments into an aging system that serves tens of millions of rides, instead of relying on stopgap measures like hiring freezes. We encourage students to take action against the state legislature’s inaction by contacting state representatives who are currently preventing the funding of SEPTA. Republican state legislators representing SEPTA-served areas — including State Sen. Joe Picozzi, whose chamber is delaying the budget — owe it to their constituents to advocate for preserving effective transit service.
Come Sept. 1, a 21.5 percent fare increase will go into effect, and on Sept. 2, Regional Rail routes running on Amtrak tracks will be eliminated. Come the new year, an additional 25 percent of service cuts will go into effect. Suffice to say, this is a dire situation for transportation.
The drastic reduction in SEPTA services only spells the end of the organization. If SEPTA’s service is drastically cut and the train comes once every two hours — or not at all — people will be forced to invest in other methods of transportation when SEPTA no longer serves their needs. This adds more cars to the road, increasing traffic during the already arduous rush hours, while also reducing SEPTA’s ridership, further cutting funding and starting a feedback loop of worsening service leading to fewer riders and reduced funding.
Alternatively, this feedback loop could function in our best interests. If we invested in SEPTA’s infrastructure and service, people would find SEPTA more convenient. More people will ride, creating a steady stream of funding that makes SEPTA less reliant on additional state funding. Pennsylvania Republicans’ gripes about a ballooning government budget are short-sighted and counterproductive when the budget funds such an essential service.
Philadelphia also powers the region’s and the entire commonwealth’s economy. This impacts everybody, even those who don’t consistently take SEPTA. SEPTA’s economic impact analysis shows that 40 percent of the state’s General Fund revenue (a combination of sales, income, corporate and estate and realty transfer taxes) comes from the SEPTA region. In addition, property values will plummet, particularly in areas losing regional rail service, which affects both homeowners and school districts relying on property taxes.
The 9 p.m. curfew affects nighttime sectors particularly heavily. Philadelphia is the city of “eds and meds,” and hospitals do not close at night. The curfew also affects key industries that support other parts of the economy, such as air transportation, hospitality and transportation to sporting events. Philadelphia is a historic city, and tourism is a major contributor to the economy, but tourists will be less willing to spend money if airports, hotels and nighttime tourist venues are running at severely diminished service levels.
There are also, of course, environmental benefits that come with mass transit. Philadelphia is rated as one of the most walkable cities in the country. We must not ignore the role SEPTA plays in this. People would not be so willing to walk if they had to walk all the way from 2nd St. to 69th St. While someone might try to argue that our crumbling roads with tiny lanes already discourage drivers, whatever inconvenience that arises out of city driving will be insignificant to the inconvenience of long-distance walking in the heat or snow. Additionally, a lot of the inconvenience of city driving comes from pedestrians. No pedestrians skittering across the street means more car-friendly roads. More cars on the road means worse air quality, more asthma, a worse outdoor dining experience and more expensive parking.
Call state legislators who are holding up action on this budget issue. Spread awareness. Make it clear: funding SEPTA is not optional.
Who to contact, how to take action: