Lansdale, Pa. − June 17, 2025 − PA State Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery, Democratic Caucus Chair) stood with State Representative Steve Malagari (D-53 Montgomery), Lansdale Borough Councilwoman Rachael Bollens, Transit for All PA!’s Connor Descheemaker, and community members at the Lansdale Train Station on Wednesday morning to urge the Senate Republican majority to fully fund public transit in Pennsylvania’s 2025-2026 state budget.
Without adequate funding from the state, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will be forced to cut service by 45% and raise fares by more than 20%, leaving thousands of working Pennsylvanians, seniors, and visitors stranded. Beginning in August, the Lansdale/Doylestown Regional Rail line would be reduced from hourly to every two hours. Next January, the line would shut down at 9:00 p.m. each night.
“For far too long, Pennsylvania’s public transit systems have been underfunded and underappreciated by politicians in Harrisburg,” Senator Collett said. “I’m hosting this rally to send a clear message to those folks: failing to fund public transit is not an option. A strong, sustainable, and fully funded transit system is key to a strong, sustainable, and fully realized future for Pennsylvania. It’s not rocket science – it’s basic economics.”
On Tuesday, the PA House passed Governor Shapiro’s plan to invest in public transit and transportation infrastructure, providing $292 million in new annual funding without raising taxes.
“Public transit isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. The people who depend on SEPTA help shape our region’s economic success. And if a lack of funding forces SEPTA to cut entire train lines and bus routes, that also means cutting off independence and opportunity for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians,” Rep. Malagari said. “I voted yesterday with my House colleagues to make sure SEPTA and other transit agencies get the funding they need. A number of Republicans courageously stepped over the proverbial aisle to join us.”
The bill, HB 1364, now heads to the Senate chamber for consideration. Rep. Malagari said he hopes the Senate Republicans will follow the House’s lead.
“Investments in public transit are essential to not only providing access and alleviating traffic congestion, but are also at the forefront of technologies to reduce our carbon footprint and provide cleaner, healthier air for our families” Councilwoman Rachael Bollens said. “Let’s turn this funding crisis into an opportunity and demand the right investments for our community and for the future of public transit in PA.”
Pennsylvania’s transit funding crisis stretches across the Commonwealth and failure to provide adequate funding in this year’s budget will negatively impact 32 other transit systems in addition to SEPTA.
“Whether navigating major events in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, heading up an incline in Johnstown, getting to class in State College, or visiting our families in Scranton, we all deserve dignified, reliable transportation,” said Connor Descheemaker, Statewide Campaign Manager of Transit for All PA!. “We need full transit funding for all of Pennsylvania, to provide mobility that gives us access to our whole selves.”
A full video recording of the rally can be found here. Photos of the event can be downloaded here.