Shapiro sends highway money to SEPTA
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SEPTA has secured $153 million in federal funds to bridge its massive budget gap this year, courtesy of an end-run by Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Why it matters: The 11th-hour funding boost allows SEPTA to avert the big fare hikes and service cuts that were planned for the coming months.
Driving the news: Shapiro directed the transfer of federal highway funding from the state to SEPTA on Friday.
The intrigue: The governor unlocked the funds through a move known as "flexing," which redirects dollars from projects not yet underway without needing the approval of Pennsylvania lawmakers.
- The one-time pot of money is a stopgap that will help the agency through June 2025.
Friction point: Shapiro sidestepped resistance from the Senate, which Republicans control.
- GOP senators have previously insisted on linking new SEPTA funding to safety and efficiency improvements, among other things.
Flashback: State lawmakers nixed Shapiro's request for more SEPTA money in this year's state budget.
Reality check: SEPTA's long-term funding woes remain. And the agency is moving ahead with a 7.5% fare increase starting Dec. 1.
What they're saying: At a news conference Friday, Shapiro said he was creating a bridge for Democrats and Republicans to work on funding for mass transit in next year's budget.
- He added that "long-term, sustainable funding for transit is really unfinished business for all of us."
The other side: The Senate GOP criticized Shapiro and called for a re-examination of mass transit in the state.
- "The action by the governor today will do nothing but harm millions of hard-working Pennsylvanians by depriving their areas of critical infrastructure," said a statement from State Sen. Majority Leader Joe Pittman and Sen. Wayne Langerholc Jr., chairperson of the chamber's transportation committee.
What's next: SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch tells Axios that depending on how state lawmakers address its long-term funding issues, the agency will revisit fare prices early next year.