Shapiro advocates for increased funding in Pennsylvania public transit

Governor Josh Shapiro and PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll visited Rabbittransit in Dauphin County to emphasize the need for increased investment in public transit across Pennsylvania. They were joined by transit leaders, local officials, and bus operators to discuss the benefits of mass transit for community connectivity, job creation, and economic growth.

The visit aligns with Governor Shapiro's advocacy for his 2025-26 budget proposal. The proposal includes $292 million in new funding for mass transit next year, which is expected to grow to $1.5 billion over five years. This marks the first major increase in state support for mass transit in over a decade, impacting 52 transit systems that serve nearly one million riders daily across rural, urban, and suburban areas of the Commonwealth.

Governor Shapiro stated, "Just like we repair and maintain the bridges in rural and suburban communities, we owe it to the Pennsylvanians who take mass transit to be there for them and their families too." He further noted that "Mass transit drives $5.4 billion in economic activity every year in Pennsylvania, and it enables businesses to affordably get their employees to offices and job site - it's well worth the investment in our budget."

The House has passed this proposal three times previously; now it awaits action from the Senate.

Speakers at the event included Richard Farr, Executive Director of SRTA; Shawn Wilson, a transit operator for CAT; Lou Diehl, a CAT rider; Senator Patty Kim; along with Governor Shapiro and Secretary Carroll.