Funding deadlines for several large public transit systems is putting pressure on Pennsylvania lawmakers--- as the state budget now sits at 6 weeks late.

Public transportation was on track for a financial crisis back in 2019; then the pandemic happened, and federal funds buoyed systems for a few years. Now the systems are back to crashing, unable to balance their budgets with federal/state/local funds. 

If SEPTA (Philadelphia's transit) does not get additional funds by August 14th, the city will cut bus and train routes by 45%. Pittsburgh is facing similar deadlines and service cuts.

Cuts will increase traffic and complicate how students get to school and employees to the office in the densely populated city centers.

Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed increasing state funding by $292 million each year (by increasing how much sales tax goes towards an already existing transit trust fund).

That is just one policy topic in the complicated negotiations around the state budget, where the House, Senate, and Governor must agree on how to spend $47 billion in revenue (and $10 billion in savings).

That state budget is now 42 days late; as leaders negotiate their disagreements over a final spend number, Medicaid, education, and skill games.

With the August 14 deadline two days away, Democrats are pushing to pass public transit funding… even if the rest of the budget is unfinished. Leaders are clear they want the whole budget, but are also trying to meet the crisis.

The House of Representatives voted on HB1788 Monday morning. The bill increases transportation funding by about $500 million for public transit ($292 million) and roads and bridges ($192 million). Additionally, there is permission for a one time bond of $325 million for road and bridge projects. Lastly, there are accountability reforms for larger transit systems.

All 67 counties have some form of public transportation and will receive a fund boost through the bill. Rural counties have at least paratransit services (for seniors and citizens with disabilities).

Republicans say passing transit funding apart from the whole state budget is not good protocol-- and that the vote is for show if senate republicans aren't on board.

“In those negotiating rooms is where the hard work is done,” said Rep. Jesse Topper, the House Republican Leader. "Simply passing a bill that the majority can pass in either chamber and sending it over doesn't do the job."

Democrats say the budget is unfinished because Senate Republicans are struggling to get all members to vote on policy, such as skill games.

“From what we understand, they have real challenges passing something with 26 votes,” said Rep. Matt Bradford, the House Democratic Leader. “-that would be meaningful and passing recurring revenue for transit as well as a state budget. Frankly, the fact that they haven't done it says something."

The Senate is scheduled to come in for a voting session today at 4pm. A bill has been scheduled for an appropriations committee meeting that could have a budget amended into the bill.