HARRISBURG, PA — Legislation to allocate $292.5 million for public transit infrastructure was approved by the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee on Monday, May 5. Authored by Majority Chair Rep. Ed Neilson, the proposal aligns with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget, which has prioritized significant investment in the state’s transit systems.
Rep. Neilson emphasized the broad impact of public transit services, stating, “Public transit provides invaluable service to Pennsylvania. It not only has a rippling effect on our economic prosperity through many different sectors and job creation, but for some Pennsylvanians, service cuts and fare increases would rob them of their livelihoods as they lose the only mode of transportation they have for work or school.”
The legislation addresses the looming fiscal challenges faced by transit agencies and underscores the importance of protecting transportation options for vulnerable groups, including seniors, people with disabilities, and those reliant on paratransit services. Neilson noted the statewide reach of this funding, remarking, “The bottom line is that public transit is used in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania, it’s not just about Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.”
The proposed funding is expected to bolster economic growth and ensure reliable access to transportation across the state. The initiative builds on recent legislative efforts, with House Democrats advancing three separate transit funding bills during the 2023-24 session.
If enacted, the legislation would represent a critical investment in Pennsylvania’s infrastructure, creating a foundation for sustained economic and community development. Debate and discussion on this proposal will continue as part of broader budget negotiations.
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