Harrisburg, PA – On Friday, Governor Josh Shapiro took decisive action to ensure Pennsylvanians who rely on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) continue to have access to safe, reliable, and affordable public transit.
To address a significant funding gap caused by the end of federal pandemic relief, Governor Shapiro directed PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll to begin the process of redirecting $153 million in federal highway capital funds to SEPTA. This move prevents immediate service cuts and a planned 21 percent fare hike, maintaining operations for 800,000 daily riders in Southeastern Pennsylvania through at least July 2025.
The reallocation of funds uses federal dollars allocated for projects not yet under construction, ensuring no disruption to ongoing infrastructure projects.
Next Steps for SEPTA
While this action provides critical short-term relief, Governor Shapiro remains focused on securing a long-term funding solution. His 2024-25 budget proposal included $1.5 billion in new mass transit funding over the next five years, ensuring Pennsylvania’s public transit systems would be able to thrive without raising taxes. The Governor continues to call on bipartisan leaders in Harrisburg to address transit funding and deliver results for Pennsylvanians.
Read what transportation leaders, legislators, local elected officials, and community leaders are saying about the Governor's decisive investment to maintain SEPTA’s service levels, prevent fare hikes, and deliver for Pennsylvanians:
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker: “SEPTA is the lifeline of Philadelphia, and Governor Shapiro’s leadership ensures our riders, workers, and businesses can continue to thrive. This action prevents hardship for our communities while laying the groundwork for long-term solutions. Governor, as James Baldwin said, 'I can't believe what you say because I see what you do.' You’ve shown once again that getting stuff done isn’t just a slogan — it’s how you lead. Thank you for delivering for Philadelphia, southeastern Pennsylvania, and our entire Commonwealth. Together, we’ll keep moving forward.”
House Speaker Joanna McClinton: “When you think about the 800,000 people who rely on SEPTA daily — not just in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, but across that invisible line into Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester counties —they need a way to get downtown, to get to work, and to provide for their families. This isn’t just a Philadelphia issue. Every mass transit agency in Pennsylvania faces funding challenges. From Allegheny County’s Port Authority to the bus lines serving communities in Dauphin County and Harrisburg, transit systems across our Commonwealth need support. I look forward to the next legislative session and continuing this vital work to secure funding for transit agencies statewide. Together, we can ensure every Pennsylvanian has access to reliable, affordable transportation.”
SEPTA Driver Thomas Shaw: “I’ve proudly dedicated over 20 years to working at SEPTA. I’m also a proud member of TWU Local 234, a union that stands for fairness, dignity, and the rights of workers. Our union, like so many others, is the backbone of the working class. We fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect on the job. That’s why having leaders who stand with workers is so important, leaders who recognize the essential role that mass transit plays in Pennsylvania, as well as the value of treating workers fairly. Governor Shapiro has shown his commitment to supporting transit workers and has been actively involved in ensuring that we have the resources and respect we need to do our jobs effectively. With his leadership, we can continue to strengthen our transit system and build a brighter future for all Pennsylvanians."
Representative Matt Bradford: “We have work to do. It’s not either-or; it’s both. House and Senate, Democrat and Republican, rural, suburban, and urban — every part of Pennsylvania rises or falls together when we make these critical investments in roads, bridges, and transit. Thanks to the decisive action of Governor Shapiro, we can celebrate that we’ve bought ourselves six more months for SEPTA. But our obligation doesn’t stop there. Over these next six months, we need to work with organized labor, the Chamber of Commerce, business leaders, and communities in Philadelphia and across all 67 counties to secure long-term transit funding. This isn’t just a transportation issue — it’s an economic development issue, a workforce issue, and a matter of getting kids to and from school.”
Senate Democratic Appropriations Chairman Senator Vincent Hughes: “Reliable public transit like SEPTA is essential to the well-being of our communities and the advancement of our region’s cutting-edge industries. As the wheels on the bus go round and round, we must ensure they keep moving, connecting people to jobs, healthcare, and opportunity. When the legislature reconvenes in January, I encourage my colleagues to prioritize another transit funding bill. This isn’t just about SEPTA — it’s about transit systems across the Commonwealth. It’s time to hold ourselves accountable to deliver on the promises we make about economic development, growth, and serving the people of Pennsylvania. Governor Shapiro’s leadership has been critical in getting us to this point. Together, we’ve proven what can happen when we work collaboratively. Now, we must build on this momentum to secure a stronger, more reliable future for SEPTA and every transit system in Pennsylvania.”
House Majority Appropriations Chairman Representative Jordan Harris: "Thank you, Governor Shapiro, for turning words into action and showing that mass transit is the lifeblood of our Commonwealth. SEPTA isn’t just about buses or trains — it’s about the people it serves. For many, a bus driver’s smile or a kind word is the first connection they feel in their day, and for seniors or students, SEPTA workers are true ambassadors of our community. Pennsylvania doesn’t move unless SEPTA moves. Hundreds of thousands depend on it to get to work, school, and medical appointments — and that economic activity fuels our state, funding programs from nursing homes to children’s health insurance. While this action is critical, it’s a stopgap. We need to go back to Harrisburg, work together — Democrats, Republicans, urban, rural, and suburban — to ensure long-term funding for mass transit, roads, and bridges statewide. This isn’t just for Southeastern Pennsylvania; it’s for the good of the entire Commonwealth. Because when SEPTA moves, we all move."
Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila Winder: "Thank you, Governor Shapiro, for your continued leadership. Montgomery County is proud to join this regional effort to support SEPTA because a robust, efficient mass transit network is essential for improving quality of life, reducing transportation costs, and driving economic growth. Montgomery County is committed to doing our part, increasing our SEPTA funding from $8.3 million in 2024 to $9.4 million in 2025. Together, with our neighboring counties and state leaders, we’ll ensure SEPTA has the resources it needs to thrive. Mass transit is the backbone of our region’s productivity, and we must continue working toward a long-term, sustainable solution.”
Delaware County Commissioner Monica Taylor: "Thank you, Governor Shapiro, for your leadership in securing mass transit funding. As Delaware County — the region’s second-largest ridership base — knows well, SEPTA is vital for connecting over 800,000 people daily to work, school, medical appointments, and more. Your decision to redirect $153 million and work with our counties to secure an additional $40 million in local funding ensures SEPTA can maintain operations for another year. This is what true leadership looks like, and it’s essential for the backbone of our region. On behalf of Delaware County and our entire community, thank you for stepping up to keep us moving."
SEPTA Chairman Ken Lawrence: "On behalf of SEPTA, our riders, and employees, I want to thank Governor Shapiro for his steadfast support. He has thrown us a lifeline at a critical moment. While this announcement pauses the immediate crisis, SEPTA needs a permanent, sustainable funding solution. SEPTA is vital not just for this region, but for all of Pennsylvania — our economy depends on it. We are grateful for this step, but we must continue working together to ensure SEPTA’s future. Thank you, Governor, for your leadership and commitment."
Greg Deavens, Chair of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia: "SEPTA is a prized asset and a critical driver of Southeastern Pennsylvania's economic success, which fuels the Commonwealth’s growth. Governor Shapiro’s leadership in securing funding ensures SEPTA can keep businesses running, employees commuting, students learning, and communities connected—all while reducing congestion and pollution. As we look ahead to putting our region on the global stage in 2026, a strong, reliable transit system is essential. On behalf of the business community, we commend today’s progress and stand ready to support a long-term solution for vibrant, sustainable transit and infrastructure."
Rev. Bonnie Camarda, co-chair for the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs: “This is truly a day to rejoice. Governor Shapiro’s decisive action to support SEPTA ensures that the people who rely on it — our seniors, workers, students, and the most vulnerable in our communities — can continue to get to work, school, and critical appointments. Without SEPTA, so much of the holistic care and services we provide would come to a halt. To the workers who keep SEPTA running, thank you for all you do. Your dedication makes a profound difference. This funding is just the beginning, and together, we’ll continue moving forward for a stronger Pennsylvania."
See some of what Pennsylvanians are reading about the Governor’s investment in SEPTA:
Associated Press: Pennsylvania governor taps federal highway aid to help Philadelphia transit system
City & State: Gov. Josh Shapiro announces $153 million in funding for SEPTA
Philadelphia Business Journal: Shapiro pauses SEPTA 'death spiral' with $153M in one-time funding
Spotlight PA: Shapiro will give SEPTA $153M in federal funding to avoid cuts and fare hikes
NBC: Gov. Shapiro orders PennDOT to flex $153 million to stop SEPTA's ‘death spiral'
6ABC: Gov. Shapiro announces $153 million for SEPTA to avoid service cuts and another fare hike
The Shenandoah Sentinel: Shapiro diverts highway funds to SEPTA
Politics PA: Shapiro Redirects $153M in Federal Highway Funds to SEPTA
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