(The Center Square) – The Philadelphia region’s public transit system just got another infusion of cash to address emergency repairs demanded by the federal government in October.
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced the release of $219.9 million in capital funds Monday to help SEPTA cover the fixes. The money is separate from maitenance and upgrade fund issued to SEPTA and Pittsburgh Regional Transit, respectively, in September, leaving the pool with a remaining balance of $140 million, according to Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll.
Federal orders came after a protracted battle in which the state legislature was unable to come to an agreement about a long-term funding source for transit. The decision to pull from the finite capital fund bought the state some time from which the federal mandates have now taken a massive chunk.
After a series of electrical fires, risks in SEPTA’s fleet of 223 Silverliner railcars prompted the FRA to issue the order. Of the funds released, $95 million will go toward repairs and upgrades to the Regional Rail fleet. An additional $17 million will pay the lease on 10 railcars from the Maryland Transit Administration and to purchase additional railcars, likely from Montreal.
SEPTA was also required by the Federal Transit Administration to inspect its entire trolley network. Another $48.4 million will go toward infrastructure upgrades and equipment for that system.
The demands have stretched a struggling system, leading to service delays and cancellations. SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer said that SEPTA shops are currently returning up to five railcars to service daily. He anticipates the fleet to be “close to full-strength by mid-December.”
Beyond the required repairs, SEPTA has earmarked an additional $8 million for metro fleet upgrades and $51.5 million for infrastructure upgrades, including safety enhancements, escalator replacements and inspection equipment.
“These new capital funds are a lifeline that will help us maintain our fleet and infrastructure and plan for our future,” said Marian Moskowitz, Chester County Commissioner & Vice Chair of SEPTA’s Board. “Our Board remains committed to fiscal discipline, accountability, and improving safety, reliability, and customer service. I’m confident our team will put these funds to work quickly to deliver relief to our customers and prepare us for future challenges.”
Sauer said the funds had not been budgeted for at the time capital funds were requested in September. He said they were “funds we would have had to find elsewhere” if the governor hadn’t acted to direct capital dollars.
Transit advocates speaking with the governor from Chester County Monday celebrated his decisive action to respond to SEPTA’s request. The unilateral move, however, underscored an unmended rift between Senate Republicans and their colleagues in the House. The Senate rejected five bills from the lower chamber that would have created a funding structure for transit and ultimately left it out of the year’s budget.
“The state Senate has had the opportunity to pass a long-term, sustainable public transit funding solution five times, and time after time, Senate Republicans have blocked our ability to get it done,” said Appropriations Chair Sen. Vincent Hughes, D-Philadelphia. “Now the Republican-led federal government is sounding the alarm about SEPTA’s need for safety and infrastructure improvements, and state Senate Republicans still choose to do nothing.”
The leaders have set the stage for another battle in 2026 Between dwindling capital funds and a gubernatorial election, the stakes will be even higher. Democrats have signaled continued resolve for new revenue streams like adult use cannabis or new funding allocations like the dedication of an additional 1.75% of state sales tax toward transit.
My Administration is stepping up once again to provide SEPTA with the funding it needs to complete critical repairs, meet federal safety requirements, and restore full service — but we need a long-term solution,” said Shapiro. “I will keep fighting for additional recurring funding for mass transit in Harrisburg so that we can invest in mass transit systems, including SEPTA, all across the Commonwealth.”
