WEST CHESTER, PA — With the clock ticking toward a critical funding deadline, Chester County’s Democratic lawmakers gathered Thursday at the West Chester Transportation Center to demand swift action from the Pennsylvania Senate to avert sweeping cuts to SEPTA services. The transit agency has warned it will begin reducing service and raising fares on August 24 if funding is not secured by August 14.
State Rep. Chris Pielli, joined by fellow Chester County House Democrats and local officials, criticized the GOP-controlled Senate for failing to act on a transportation funding package already passed by the House. “Time’s up,” Pielli said, noting that the House-approved legislation would allocate over $292 million for public transit and approximately $500 million for road and bridge repairs statewide—without raising taxes.
At the center of the impasse is House Bill 1364, a proposal that supporters argue offers a comprehensive solution to stabilize public transit across the Commonwealth while supporting infrastructure upgrades in all 67 counties. The bill remains stalled in the Senate, prompting concerns about the economic and logistical fallout for southeastern Pennsylvania.
SEPTA’s Role in Chester County
Chester County residents stand to lose significant transportation options if SEPTA enacts its proposed service cuts. Key rail lines such as the Paoli-Thorndale and Wilmington/Newark routes, along with vital bus services like the Route 104 line, are among those that could be affected. These routes are heavily relied upon by commuters, students, seniors, and small business employees.
“SEPTA is simply too valuable in Chester County to lose,” said state Rep. Paul Friel. “Anyone who lives here knows that firsthand.”
Lawmakers warned that cuts to SEPTA service would not only isolate communities and disrupt daily routines but also strain the regional economy. Increased traffic congestion, higher emissions, and added pressure on local infrastructure are among the anticipated consequences. “If transit stops, we all stop,” said state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, referencing the critical role public transportation plays in sustaining suburban economies and community connectivity.
Wider Implications and Economic Concerns
Beyond Chester County, the legislators underscored the broader implications for Pennsylvania’s economy. Southeastern Pennsylvania contributes approximately 40% of the state’s total revenue but receives only 19% back in services, according to Pielli. “This is taxation without transportation,” he said, criticizing what he characterized as political negligence by Senate Republicans.
State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten warned that failure to fund SEPTA would be a “huge hit to the economy” and “an enormous loss for our region and our Commonwealth.” Her colleagues echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that vulnerable populations—such as working families, students, and the elderly—would bear the brunt of the disruptions.
A Call for Immediate Legislative Action
Lawmakers concluded the press event with a unified call for the Senate to reconvene immediately and take up the transit funding bill before the August 14 deadline. “It’s past time our senators got back to work in Harrisburg,” said state Rep. Dan Williams. “Funding public transit means more money for our communities, more people on the job, and safer neighborhoods.”
As the deadline draws near, Chester County residents and businesses await clarity on whether the region’s lifeline to the Greater Philadelphia Area will remain intact—or be reduced to a shadow of its former self.
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