Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta walked 105 miles this weekend-- from Philadelphia to Harrisburg-- as a protest over mass transit funding and continued delays in the state budget.

Politicians remain in deadlock, as the state budget that was due on June 30th is now officially two months (and one day) late. Schools, counties, and non profits are borrowing money to fill the gaps. In Philadelphia, around 20% of bus and train services have been cut.

Kenyatta, a Philadelphia Democrat, chose to make a statement with his walking shoes. Over the Labor Day weekend, Kenyatta walked from a train station in the Philly suburbs to the state capitol in Harrisburg.

The “walk for transit” drew attention to the late state budget and fiscal challenges facing many transit agencies. State funding for public transit has not significantly increased in years— and cost of living combined with reduced ridership from the pandemic has pushed some transit agencies towards crisis. SEPTA in Philadelphia is expecting to cut 45% of service by the end of the year if they don’t get a fund boost. The transit authority is facing a $213 million deficit alone.

Democrats (who hold the state house) have proposed a $290 million fund increase to public transit for the whole state. Senate Republicans, who want accountability and are wary of new spending, suggested using state money earmarked for transit construction projects to help pay for day to day operations.

Neither proposal has earned approval from the other chamber. As Philadelphia is experiencing cuts, Democratic lawmakers remain focused on securing a permanent fund increase. Republicans insist that transit funding is one part of the larger budget— and agreeing on a final spend number will help determine how much they want to give to transit.

Some lawmakers say new revenue sources could help in negotiations; there are proposals to tax ride share services (like Uber or Lyft) or skill games (gambling machines found in many storefronts) to help with transit funding.

During his four days on the road, Kenyatta spoke with Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth about public transit. A man from McKean County, who has physical disabilities after a car accident last year, shared how he relies on the ATA para transit services.

“There isn't neurologists local to me, there isn't an immunologist local to me, in my county,” said Alex, who lives in Bradford, Pennsylvania. "And so I rely on public transit, that doesn't just serve my county but takes me across my county border to be able to get health care.”

Alex raised concerns that rural municipalities would not be able to keep up with new funding match requirements in the Republican transit proposal made in August.

Kenyatta ended his walking journey with a press conference this morning—saying that voters are the best motivators for action in Harrisburg.

“For the people of Pennsylvania, tell these folks to do their job,” Kenyatta said, pointing to the capitol building behind him. “Tell them to do their jobs. When elected officials get worried, they start doing their jobs. If people start calling their offices, I promise you they will somehow say, oh, well, you know, maybe I can agree.”