The Crisis Is Here: Gov. Shapiro’s FY26-27 Budget Address Acknowledges Transit’s “Unfinished Business,” But Does Not Meet the Moment for PA Riders, Workers, And COmmunities.
Transit For All PA! applauds Governor Josh Shapiro’s repeated executive actions to stave off total collapse of Pennsylvania’s transit systems. He has continued to stand up for transit in its bleakest moments.
But Governor Shapiro’s proposed solutions do not meet the moment for transit riders and workers, especially those outside of the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh regions.
After three years of failed negotiations for new transit funding, the governor again returned to the well of sales-tax-reallocation. This “solution” does not meet the stated need of any of our commonwealth’s public transit agencies, and in fact locks in austerity represented by years of service cuts that every PA transit system has experienced since 2020.
Additionally, Shapiro’s latest plan doesn’t even implement this “new” funding source until FY27-28 – after at least seven small, fixed-route transit systems across PA hit their stated fiscal cliffs, triggering fare increases and service cuts our riders and workers cannot afford. LANTA, which serves the fast-growing Lehigh Valley, cut service in January and will raise fares in March. And our shared-ride and paratransit crisis continues unacknowledged, despite its growing, annual structural insolvency.
Nearly 20% of Pennsylvanians cannot drive, and over 100,000 rural Pennsylvanians live in households without a car. Every corner of our commonwealth needs connections to work, food, healthcare, and community through reliable, safe, and accessible public transportation.
Transit For All PA! has developed real solutions and funding sources, based on the 2021 Republican-led TROC recommendations, and those bills remain live in the PA House and Senate with dozens of cosponsors. These solutions would not only fund the stated needs of every transit agency in PA, but restore service to 2019 levels and even expand it 10% in communities outside of the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro areas.
In this precarious moment where many of our public goods are under direct threat, we must invest in Pennsylvanians with new, dedicated funding for the transit services and infrastructure that connect us to our full selves.
Tens of thousands of transit riders and transit workers are already answering that call, representing all 253 legislative districts in Pennsylvania – from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, Johnstown to Bradford, Scranton to Harrisburg, Bethlehem to York, and everywhere in-between.
Now is the time for real action, and transit funding that moves us.
From rural towns to big cities, transit is essential – just like education, healthcare, a healthy environment and so much more. Take action today to tell Gov. Shapiro and PA House + PA Senate leadership that we need transit for all pa!
Transit for All PA!’s hybrid watch Party was a success! 150 joined from all across Pennsylvania. We’re ready to organize to win a budget that moves us all!
With in-person events in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and a rocking zoom room, more than 150 people tuned in the hybrid event! We first watched organizers share thoughts about what they’re looking for in the address. Then, we all watched Shapiro broadcast his speech live.
The event was a huge success thanks to the incredible attendees and partner organizations. Shoutout to Pennsylvanians Together, Transit for All PA!, Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Transit Forward Philadelphia, 412 Justice, Clean Air Council, PA Downtown Center, 5th Square Advocacy, Build Philly Now and For Our Future PA.
After Shapiro’s events, attendees shared thoughts and reflections. One thing became clear: no matter your race, place or class, Pennsylvanians need to organize together to win a budget that moves us all.
Here are some great pics of our in-person events!
See the Instagram Reel made by 412 Justice!
