"Delaware County residents express discontent over SEPTA service reductions, asserting they won't increase taxes to bridge the budget gap"
Delaware County council members are expressing concern over the potential impact of SEPTA's looming service cuts and fare increases, with some referring to the situation as a "pending disaster."
Kevin Madden, a councilmember, accused state lawmakers of treating SEPTA as a "political football," urging residents to call on them to adequately fund the public transit agency. The SEPTA budget deficit stands at a staggering $213 million, and the absence of a state budget is already having an impact on other services at the local level.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, plays a crucial role in addressing SEPTA’s financial challenges. They are responsible for passing necessary state funding and policy measures to mitigate these issues and ensure sustainable public transit operations.
Councilmember Christine Reuther expressed particular concern about the potential impact of SEPTA's cuts on the county-run Fair Acres Geriatric Center. Some employees at the center rely on SEPTA to get to work, and Reuther warned that future disruptions to SEPTA could lead to a harmful domino effect at the center.
Gina Burritt, director of the Delaware County Planning Department, presented the impact of SEPTA's cuts in the region. She mentioned that smaller municipalities will suffer from more air pollution and congested traffic due to increased traffic on local roadways, leading to increased maintenance costs and bridge repair costs for municipalities.
A judge has placed some of SEPTA's planned cuts and fare increases on hold, but this temporary reprieve offers little reassurance to council members who are limited in their options to shield residents from the effects of SEPTA's budget deficit and service cuts. Madden stated that a major increase in property taxes would be required to fill the gap caused by SEPTA's budget deficit.
The Senate is expected to reconvene in the capital on Sept. 8, and council members have expressed anger towards Pennsylvania legislators for their failure to end the budget impasse. Reuther, in particular, expressed concern about the potential impact of SEPTA's cuts on the county-run Fair Acres Geriatric Center.
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