PHILADELPHIA – Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) issued the following statement as SEPTA announces plans to eliminate dozens of routes, significantly reduce service on remaining lines, and raise fares by more than 21%:
“Reliable public transportation is fundamental to the success of my constituents and the entire commonwealth. My Council district is the only one where a majority of residents do not drive to work. We rely on SEPTA to make money, get to school, and access healthcare and other essentials. I shudder to think about the catastrophic damage that will be done if SEPTA’s doomsday service cuts and fare hikes go into effect.
“Governor Shapiro bought us some time, but the clock is running out. This is an emergency. The City of Philadelphia is investing in SEPTA but we need the Pennsylvania General Assembly to step up. Pennsylvania House and Senate Democrats are ready to get this done. Harrisburg Republicans must stop playing politics with our livelihoods and make a deal to fully fund mass transportation and keep Pennsylvania’s economy moving forward.”
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