A proposal that would assist in funding public transportation throughout the state of Pennsylvania was approved by the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, and it is now expected to be approved by the Senate chamber.
There are 52 different transit systems located throughout the state of Pennsylvania, and Governor Shapiro has proposed for his budget to allocate $292 million to support these systems.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives just voted in favor of my proposal to fund mass transit for the fourth time, as Governor Shapiro stated. Due to the fact that people rely on both roads and bridges to get where they need to go, this bill, which was passed by both parties, provides essential funds to public transportation systems across the state of Pennsylvania and also provides additional funding for the repair of roads and bridges. The Senate needs to move quickly in order to ensure that this funding is included in the budget for this year.
In light of the fact that Pittsburgh Regional Transit has been vocal about the lack of state funding it requires in order to continue operations without having to make significant reductions, the proposed funding makes its appearance.
It is possible that PRT will receive forty million dollars in funding to assist in the support of their services if the proposed budget is approved.
The PRT is confronted with the possibility of a deficit of one hundred million dollars in the following year. In the absence of additional funding, the agency has stated that there is a possibility that routes will be eliminated, stops will be eliminated, fare increases will occur, and services will be reduced.
Transportation agencies in Westmoreland County, Washington County, New Castle, and Indiana would all receive additional funding as a result of the proposed budget. This is in addition to the possibility that the PRT would receive additional funding.
When exactly the Senate will hold a vote on the proposed funding is not yet known.
In accordance with the constitution of the state, the budget must be approved by the 30th of June.
