Pennsylvania Transit Seeks Funding to Sustain Service

Pennsylvania transit systems face budget shortfalls requiring service cuts within two years

Pennsylvania Transit Faces Funding Crisis

Pennsylvania's public transit systems face severe budget shortfalls that could force service cuts and fare hikes within two years, transit officials said. The financial crisis stems from exhausted COVID-19 relief funding, leaving agencies struggling to maintain current operations. Most systems are operating at about 80% of pre-pandemic ridership levels while costs continue rising.

Relief Funding Exhausted

The funding crisis emerged as federal pandemic relief dollars ran out, exposing structural problems that have plagued transit systems for decades. Transit leaders from across the state are discussing funding shortfalls, staffing issues, and service reductions at agencies including the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority, South Central Transit Authority, Luzerne County Transportation Authority, and Rabbittransit. Many agencies are diverting fixed-route funds to cover deficits in shared-ride paratransit programs, which serve seniors and people with disabilities. The shared-ride program has faced structural funding problems since its creation in 1980.

Governor Proposes Sales Tax Transfer

Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed transferring an additional 1.75% of sales and use tax revenues to the Pennsylvania Transportation Trust Fund, which would provide over $300 million annually for mass transit starting July 1, 2027. Owen O'Neill from the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority, Greg Downing from the South Central Transit Authority, Bob Fiume from the Luzerne County Transportation Authority, and Rich Farr from Rabbittransit are among transit leaders supporting the proposal. Rising wages, increased costs for parts and fuel, and competition from warehouses paying similar wages have made it difficult to maintain adequate staffing levels, officials said.

Service Cuts Loom Without Action

Without additional funding, some systems may need to reduce service frequency and implement substantial fare increases within the next two years, transit officials warned. However, fare increases alone can't solve the budget problems, as typical riders are often low-income individuals who can't afford significant increases. Transit leaders are calling for a redesign of the shared-ride program and a shift from fee-for-service funding to block grant funding to make services more accessible and sustainable.

Riders Face Uncertain Future

The funding crisis threatens service reliability for riders who depend on public transit for work, medical appointments, and daily needs. Transit leaders emphasized that vulnerable populations, including seniors and people with disabilities who rely on paratransit services, would be particularly affected by service reductions. Riders can track real-time service updates and plan trips using Moovit, which provides current information for Pennsylvania transit systems.