In a display of solid commitment to public transportation, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll boarded a SEPTA train on Monday, spotlighting the governor's budget proposal which promises enhanced funding for state transit. According to the Governor's Office, Shapiro's fiscal plan includes a noteworthy boost to SEPTA's budget, aiming for cleaner, safer, and more punctual services.
The proposal could mean an extra $282.8 million diving into the coffers of public transit over the next five years, with SEPTA potentially receiving an additional $161 million specifically to up its game in safety and sanitation, "Pennsylvanians deserve clean, safe, on-time public transit – and our growing economy demands it," Governor Shapiro said, as per the Governor's Office. His budget prevents potential rises in fares or cuts to services, adding manpower to SEPTA with 40 new police officers, 30 safety personnel, and 100 cleaners.
PennDOT Secretary Carroll highlighted how integral public transport is for millions across the state, especially for those without alternative travel options, "Public transit services are critical – over half of Pennsylvania’s transit users have no other option to travel to within their communities or go to work and school," Carroll said, per the Governor's Office. The initiative spans beyond SEPTA, poised to benefit 31 other public transit systems throughout Pennsylvania.
SEPTA's plan for Fiscal Year 2025 tallies up to a $2.6 billion budget, doubling down on safety and cleanliness initiatives. This includes $72 million to finance the new staff positions. SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards expressed gratitude for the governor's support, "For SEPTA, this funding will ensure that SEPTA can provide the reliable service that hundreds of thousands of customers rely on every day," she said, as cited by the Governor's Office. The proposed bump in funds anticipates that SEPTA will meet the rising demand expected from upcoming major events, such as the FIFA World Cup and the MLB All-Star Game.
Political figures across the board seem to back the funding boost, with Senator Frank Farry appreciating the focus on transit, and Representative Joe Hogan chiming in on its critical role for the Philadelphia area, "With headline events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America250 and the 2026 MLB All-Star game coming to Philadelphia, this investment is necessary to make sure SEPTA is prepared for the crowds that will come with them," Hogan told the press, as per the Governor's Office. Public transit is not just a question of mobility, but of broad economic impact and community connectivity, a notion that Pennsylvania's leadership appears to rally behind wholeheartedly.
