Major Pennsylvania employers call for immediate funding for SEPTA and other mass transit systems.
In a critical appeal for action regarding the funding of mass transit, leaders from three of Pennsylvania’s preeminent institutions—the University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and Comcast—have expressed grave concerns about potential service cuts. They argue that these reductions pose substantial risks not just to employees but also to the communities served and the overall economy of the commonwealth.
The call to action comes at a pivotal moment when decisions regarding transit funding could heavily impact the region. For instance, over 4,000 CHOP employees rely on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to commute to work. This reliance underscores the urgency of maintaining reliable transit services for the healthcare industry, where timely access is a critical factor. CHOP serves as a major healthcare provider, conducting over 1.4 million outpatient visits and accommodating 35,000 inpatient admissions annually. Furthermore, many patients, particularly those with fixed incomes, depend on public transit to access essential healthcare services.
The University of Pennsylvania, another significant employer in the region, also emphasizes the importance of reliable mass transit for its faculty, staff, students, and patients. The institution reports that hundreds of students and more than 12,000 employees use SEPTA for their daily commutes. Additionally, Penn Medicine provides free SEPTA passes to around 10,000 low-income patients, ensuring they can reach necessary medical services without undue financial strain.
Comcast, with approximately 8,500 employees based in Center City, similarly highlights the potential disruptive impacts of proposed service cuts. With more than 75% of its workforce utilizing mass transit—especially regional rail—any significant reduction could hinder the company’s collaborative work environment and innovation prospects.
Collectively, these institutions represent a substantial segment of Pennsylvania’s economy. Southeastern Pennsylvania houses 32% of the state’s population while contributing to 42% of its economic activity. The leaders stress that depriving SEPTA and other transit agencies of necessary resources could lead to adverse economic consequences across the commonwealth.
Recent proposals from Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration, which include a notable increase in state funding for mass transit, represent a significant step toward mitigating this crisis. Both Shapiro and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives have acknowledged that addressing transit issues is vital not just for Philadelphia but for the entire state. Legislative support is now necessary to secure funding that could prevent devastating service cuts.
Ultimately, the leaders implore the governor and General Assembly to collaborate on enhancing investments in public transit. They emphasize that ensuring robust transit services is essential for sustaining jobs, mobility, and public safety, thereby reinforcing the health and prosperity of Pennsylvania’s communities. Investing in mass transit is portrayed not merely as a logistical necessity but as a critical commitment to the economic and social well-being of the region.
