What happened: Lawmakers say a long-term SEPTA and Pittsburgh Regional Transit funding fix probably won’t emerge from this year’s budget. A court-ordered injunction last September forced a two-year stopgap from the Public Transportation Trust Fund, but that expires next summer with no permanent solution in place. Shapiro’s proposal to redirect a larger share of sales tax revenue to transit (an estimated $319 million statewide) remains on the table but wouldn’t take effect for another year, and Senate Republicans remain resistant. Sen. Nikil Saval is a cosponsor of the Transit for All PA package, which would pair Shapiro’s proposal with a 6% rideshare excise fee and higher car rental/lease fees.
Why it matters for Pennsylvania nonprofits: Transit access directly affects clients and staff at human services, workforce development, and healthcare-navigation nonprofits, particularly in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The stopgap buys one more year, not a resolution.
Where things stand: Effectively off the table for this budget cycle; the underlying funding question resurfaces next summer.
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