State lawmakers in Pennsylvania are negotiating funding plans for SEPTA, facing a significant $213 million budget deficit. Without additional funding, SEPTA may cut nearly half of its services, including eliminating 50 bus routes, shortening many others, and reducing bus frequency by 20%. Additionally, five regional rail lines and one metro line may cease operations after 9 PM. This would impact approximately 750,000 daily riders, adding 275,000 vehicles to local roads and worsening commute times and pollution.
Donna Alley, owner of a cleaning business in West Philadelphia, expressed concern for her employees who rely on SEPTA, especially if services are reduced or cut during key work hours. The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission warns that such cuts would equate to removing all cars from Pittsburgh’s city roads, leading to severe congestion and parking problems.
Philadelphia’s Chamber of Commerce highlights the cuts as a major issue for local universities and hospitals, which depend on SEPTA for workforce and patient transport. Rural legislators express concern about the cost-effectiveness of funding SEPTA, questioning the equity of services primarily benefiting Philadelphia. Alley is considering options like carpooling for her employees but fears the financial burden. If enacted, the cuts are set to take effect late August through January.
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