PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — SEPTA’s budget shortfall is a bit smaller, but the transit agency said it still needs permanent state funding to avoid hefty fare increases and service cuts.
Last year, SEPTA’s budget banked on getting some of the mass transit funding that Gov. Josh Shapiro sought. After the Republican-led state Senate said no, the governor’s last-minute flex of federal highway funds to SEPTA prevented a 21% fare increase and deep service cuts.
As SEPTA starts over and draws up its budget for the fiscal year starting in July, it will not plan for extra money this time.
“We can always adjust prior to the fiscal year beginning, but what we can’t do is budget for our future based on a prayer,” said Scott Sauer, SEPTA’s interim general manager.
Through efforts including a hiring freeze and the elimination of non-essential travel, SEPTA reduced its structural budget deficit from $240 million to $213 million — but that’s still $213 million that SEPTA doesn’t have.
Board Chair Ken Lawrence said the agency’s budget will reflect that, and it won’t bank on the Legislature adopting any transit funding increases proposed by the governor.
“This board has directed staff to develop a budget and service plan that reflects the harsh realities for SEPTA and our customers,” he said. “We know it would mean massive service cuts and fare increases for the fiscal year that starts on July 1.”
The specifics, he said, will be outlined this spring.