With the race for the PA-36 Senate seat well underway, you should know whether local candidates would support the transit you need in Lancaster County. Transit for All PA reached out to the candidates, Democrat James Malone and Republican Tom Jones, to see where they stand.
As a 501c3, Transit for All PA cannot endorse any candidates, but it can ask candidates where they stand on transit—and share the answers with you. Below are Malone and Jones’s responses.
Italicized text indicates a direct quote from the candidate.
Personal Connection to Transit
Where and/or when have you ridden public transportation (fixed-route, on-demand, or shared-ride/paratransit) in your district? Why is public transportation an important public good for your constituents?
James Malone
“In my district, the Red Rose Transit bus service connects residents to Lancaster City, giving them access to employment, education and entertainment. Expanding public transportation can be a lifeline for lower-income Pennsylvanians and a step towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels.”
Tom Jones
Representative Tom Jones did not respond to our request, but he did celebrate the renovation of Amtrak’s Keystone Service line.
“It’s exciting to have Amtrak service fully restored for our community! I am especially impressed and thankful for the hard work and coordination that Amtrak and their partners achieved… Together, they accomplished all the necessary improvements in just eight months, instead of the original estimate of two years.”
State Transit Cuts
Massive cuts are on the horizon for your transit system and systems across the commonwealth. Would you vote yes on a bill for new, dedicated funding for public transportation in PA?
James Malone
“Yes.”
Tom Jones
Representative Tom Jones did not respond to our request, but he did vote against a bill to improve transportation funding in June 2025.
State Transit Funding
What taxes or fees would you support or propose for funding sustainable and expanded public transit in your district and across the Commonwealth?
James Malone
Senator Malone did not respond to this question, but he has recently come out against new and increased taxes:
“The people of this district are already working too hard, making too little, and every single one of their costs are rising… I cannot support an increase in taxes.”
Malone has also called for a pause on PA’s gas tax, which is the primary means by which public transit is funded in the state.
Tom Jones
Representative Tom Jones did not respond to this request. He supports a pause on the gas tax–the primary means by which public transit is funded in PA.
Using Public Transit
Will you take a photo or video of yourself taking public transit to show your support for non-drivers in your district?
James Malone
“Yes.”
Although we have not received the requested photo, Senator Malone participated in a Bus-to-Market event with Representative Rivera earlier this year.
Tom Jones
Representative Tom Jones did not respond to our request. Jones did take a celebratory photo at the 2024 reopening of Amtrak’s Keystone Service.
Vote Transit!
Public transit is an essential service across Pennsylvania. That’s why you should know where the candidates stand: so you can vote with confidence in these vital midterm elections.
While you wait, take the Pledge to #VoteTransit on November 3rd so that you and thousands of other Pennsylvanians can show your representatives where you stand!
