Three Pennsylvania state senators have criticized the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) for what they describe as a lack of communication and accountability during an ongoing transit funding crisis. Senators Frank Farry (R-6), Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), and Jimmy Picozzi (R-5) issued statements on August 21 expressing disappointment with SEPTA’s response to legislative efforts aimed at resolving the agency’s financial issues.
The Senate recently passed an amended version of House Bill 257, which would provide additional funding for public transportation. According to the senators, this proposal secures more funds through the Public Transportation Trust Fund (PTTF), a PennDOT-managed account, without affecting other key state programs such as education, senior care, veterans’ services, or hospitals.
Despite these measures, the senators allege that SEPTA has not responded to multiple attempts at communication since the Senate vote on August 12. The last direct contact between Senator Farry and SEPTA occurred on the evening of that vote. On August 15, Senators Farry, Pennycuick, and Picozzi sent a letter seeking clarification from SEPTA leadership regarding their request for details about the Senate’s proposal. With no reply by August 21, they sent a follow-up letter.
The correspondence from the senators emphasizes that after accounting for all capital projects and transfers outlined in HB 257, nearly $2.9 billion is projected to remain in the PTTF by the end of 2029.
During testimony before the House Democratic Policy Committee on August 20, SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer stated that Philadelphia sports fans might be unable to rely on public transit to attend home games due to service disruptions. The senators argue this is a decision made by SEPTA that will negatively affect both public transit users and drivers facing increased traffic congestion.
They also pointed out that while cutting service, SEPTA continues spending money on advertising at sporting events—a move they say reflects poor priorities.
“SEPTA’s refusal to engage with us is unacceptable,” said Farry. “This is a SEPTA created crisis both financially and operationally based on choices and mismanagement by SEPTA. We remain willing to work with SEPTA to find solutions. Unfortunately, SEPTA has shown no willingness to work with us and only seems to be interested in providing information to the House Democrats.”
