All articles tagged with #public transit funding
Illinois lawmakers passed a bill to address a significant transit funding shortfall by redirecting existing revenue sources and increasing local sales taxes, creating the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, and implementing governance reforms to improve and sustain public transportation services in the Chicago area, avoiding large statewide tax hikes.
SEPTA will operate 10 additional sports express trains for the Eagles home opener, sponsored by FanDuel, after previous service cuts due to a budget crisis. The sponsorship covers operational costs and free postgame rides, helping to prevent traffic congestion amid ongoing funding disputes between state lawmakers and transit authorities.
With New York's congestion pricing program paused, lawmakers are struggling to find alternative funding for the MTA's $15 billion budget gap. Despite the urgent need, most legislators have no concrete proposals, risking the delay or cancellation of critical transit upgrades. Only a few have suggested measures like cracking down on fare evasion, cutting construction costs, or expanding gambling to generate revenue.
Gov. Josh Shapiro plans to propose $282.8 million in new state funding for public transit, with SEPTA receiving the largest share, to address looming service cuts and fare increases. The measure aims to increase sales tax revenue allocation for transit systems, generating an estimated $1.5 billion over five years. Transit advocates and officials have welcomed the proposal, emphasizing the importance of stable state support for transit. SEPTA is preparing for possible service cuts and fare increases in the absence of timely funding, while the governor is urging the agency to address safety and cleanliness concerns.