In response to SEPTA’s request to divert nearly $400 million in capital funds to support operations and avoid service reductions in the midst of the state’s budget gridlock, Evergreen Action Deputy State Policy Director Julia Kortrey released the following statement: 

“It’s completely unacceptable that SEPTA is being forced to pull from future capital funding just to keep today’s service running. Let’s be clear: this is a direct result of legislative failure. While Republican lawmakers keep Harrisburg locked in a political stalemate, Pennsylvania transit riders are paying the price in missed classes, longer commutes, and cancelled opportunities. As SEPTA said, this is a band-aid, not a solution, and it comes at the risk of future infrastructure, safety, and reliability. And, riders are still being forced to pay more for insufficient service. Republican lawmakers must step up and deliver the sustained operating funding SEPTA and other transit agencies need. Not next year, not after the election—now.”