A group of Philadelphia residents has filed a lawsuit claiming that the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has fabricated its financial crisis. Filed yesterday, by the law firm Bochetto & Lentz, the lawsuit seeks to reverse SEPTA’s recent service reductions, NBC Philadelphia reported. The plaintiffs allege that SEPTA is manipulating its financial situation to pressure state lawmakers for more funding.
According to the filing, SEPTA’s budget decisions disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color, as per the 6abc report. The lawsuit also accuses SEPTA of misusing the Service Stabilization Fund. Attorney George Bochetto has filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order against the agency.
SEPTA, however, cites a $213 million budget shortfall. FOX 29 News reported that the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee has scheduled a Labor Day "Vote Meeting" as SEPTA awaits potential funding support. The agency has also scheduled fare increases starting in September, with single-ride fares rising to $2.90 and the Monthly TransPass increasing from $96 to $116.
The outcome of the lawsuit could determine whether SEPTA restores recently reduced services or moves forward with planned cuts and fare hikes.
