Transit funding bill heading to Pennsylvania Senate for approval, includes money for Pittsburgh Regional Transit
The Pennsylvania House has approved Governor Josh Shapiro's budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, and it includes a major investment in public transit across the state.
The funding passed in the Pennsylvania House by a bipartisan 107-96 vote.
Governor Shapiro has proposed $292 million from his budget that would help support 52 different transit systems across Pennsylvania.
"My proposal to fund mass transit just passed the PA House for the fourth time," said Governor Shapiro. "This bipartisan bill injects critical dollars into public transit across Pennsylvania and adds new funding to repair roads and bridges, because folks rely on both to get where they need to go. It's time for the Senate to get this funding done in this year's budget."
If the budget proposal makes it through the Senate, Pittsburgh Regional Transit could see a much-needed $40 million in funding. This comes amid PRT facing a lack of state funding and threats of cuts to their service.
The proposed funding comes as Pittsburgh Regional Transit has been speaking out about the lack of state funding it needs to keep operating without making drastic cuts.
For riders who rely on public transit to get to work, school, and essential services, the proposal offers hope.
"It affects a lot of people getting downtown," said Eric Anderson, a regular commuter. "It's important for me to take the T, it saves me the drive and lets me work on the way in."
"It's the most important to me. It's kind of a make-or-break for if I wanted to work downtown," said Zakis. "It's accommodating, and I'd prefer it."
If the proposed budget is passed, PRT could see $40 million in funding to help support its services.
So, how would that $40 million be used?
"It preserves the jobs we have," said Kelleman. "Instead of focusing on trimming services, we can start thinking about reinvestment… where we can improve frequencies, and which new neighborhoods we can bring into the system."
PRT is facing the possibility of a $100 million deficit next year, and without extra funding, the agency says there could be routes cut, stops eliminated, fare increases, and reduced services.
In addition to PRT receiving additional funding through the proposed budget, transit agencies in Westmoreland County, Washington County, New Castle, and Indiana would all see additional money coming their way, also.
It's unclear when the Senate will take up a vote on the proposed funding.
The state constitution requires the budget to be passed by June 30.
