Montgomery County officials and regional business leaders are raising alarms about the impending crisis if SEPTA funding doesn't secure the future of the transit system. Warning of dire consequences for the local economy, they have stressed the importance of transportation to the King of Prussia's businesses and workforce.
With budget negotiations in Harrisburg in progress, Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Chair Neil K. Makhija emphasized, "This is not just for Southeast Pennsylvania; it’s for the entire Commonwealth." According to a recent statement obtained by Montgomery County, he further warned, "We know we’re about to run out of time," highlighting the central role of King of Prussia in the regional economy.
Vice Chair Jamila H. Winder stressed the potential loss of a thriving community that draws people from near and far to the King of Prussia, a “national destination," as per Montgomery County. Business representatives like Bob Hart, General Manager of the King of Prussia Mall, pointed out that service cuts could negatively impact the area's commerce and employees, especially with high-stakes events like the FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
"Any potential service reductions will directly impact these hardworking individuals and could create significant challenges for our businesses, ultimately impacting the entire area," Hart told Montgomery County. The reliance on SEPTA services is clear when considering that over 1,750 employees at the King of Prussia Mall alone depend on public transit to reach their workplace. Hart also mentioned the increased attention expected for Southeast Pennsylvania in upcoming global events, asserting the need for a "well-functioning public transportation system like SEPTA."
Cheryl Gebeline-Myers from CHOP's Middleman Family Pavilion highlighted, “The most vulnerable members of the community – those who are sick and those with limited resources will be hit hardest,” in a statement to Montgomery County, exemplifying the potential disruptions to healthcare and the broader community. Discussions have included not just business executives but also labor leaders and transit advocates, all uniting to underline how the absence of a functioning SEPTA system threatens the very fabric of regional connectivity and economic stability.
