Legislators push for budget, SEPTA ordered to move with or without them

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(The Center Square) - Another day in Pennsylvania means another rally for SEPTA as the state’s budget impasse drags on.

Delaware County legislators met Friday afternoon to encourage Senate Republicans to join them at the table to negotiate a long-term funding solution for mass transit in the commonwealth, along with a budget for the fiscal year that started over two months ago.

“It’s unacceptable that the budget stalemate is entering its third month, delaying critical public transit and education funding,” said Senator Tim Kearney, D-Media. “With uncertainty surrounding SEPTA cuts and the budget timeline, it’s understandable that school leaders, students, and families are frustrated.”

On Thursday night Judge Sierra Thomas Street ordered SEPTA to “immediately reverse all service cuts” in light of a lawsuit brought against the agency that argued the cuts were discriminatory toward marginalized groups. Attorney George Bochetto argued that riders were caught in the middle of a fight between SEPTA and the state over funding, bringing disruption to their lives and livelihood.

SEPTA said it would take time to safely restore service, which was reduced in August after the legislature failed to pass a funding solution before the deadline established by the transit authority. Along with service cuts came fare increases which were not reversed by Street’s order.

“Every day this budget is stalled, our kids suffer. SEPTA cuts are not just missed connections—they're missed paychecks, missed medical appointments, and missed chances to build a better life,” said Rep. Gina Curry, D-Upper Darby. “Reliable transportation is a lifeline, not a luxury. Service reductions on our buses and Regional Rail have created a devastating gap in access—one that disproportionately hurts working families, students, seniors, and essential workers.”

Many commuters have resorted to using rideshares and other more expensive means of transportation to get to school and work. Over Labor Day weekend, Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia, put a spotlight on the issue by walking from Philadelphia to Harrisburg, saying that without funding, Pennsylvanians can expect an additional 275,000 cars on the road.

The Republican-led Senate is scheduled to return to work next week. Monday will be just their 34th session day since the beginning of 2025. Their absence has inflamed public opinion and brought the ire of House Democrats who have passed five separate bills to fund transit and met just 56 days this year. Pennsylvania’s legislature is considered full-time, with members earning six-figure salaries, about twice as much as the average Pennsylvania worker.

Representatives from local school districts attended Friday’s rally to remind lawmakers that the trouble doesn’t begin and end with students getting to school. Beyond transit funding, the budget delay has impacted $1.75 billion in payments to schools. According to Upper Darby School District Superintendent Dr. Daniel McGarry, his district has over 1,500 students requiring specialized education and English language instruction waiting on the legislature.

“When funding is delayed or withheld, our most vulnerable students lose access to the very resources designed to support them,” said McGarry. “Year after year, political posturing has jeopardized whether our schools receive the funding they need. This must end. Our schools must be funded so that all students, especially those who face the greatest challenges, can access the education and support they deserve.”