Gov. Shapiro Advocates for Mass Transit Investment in Pennsylvania

The Critical Need for Mass Transit Funding

• 💡 Public transit is essential for patients and providers at healthcare facilities like Lehigh Valley Health Network, enabling access to life-saving care and employment.
• ⚠️ Reliable transportation is a key social determinant of health, and it should never be a barrier to accessing quality healthcare.
• 🚀 The Lehigh Valley is experiencing significant growth, and mass transit investment is crucial to keep pace with economic development and ensure people can reach new jobs.

Economic Impact and Business Benefits

• 📈 Investing in mass transit is a smart business decision, with a $5.4 billion economic impact across Pennsylvania.
• 🤝 Businesses rely on mass transit to connect with the workforce they need to grow, and employees need transit to access job opportunities.
• 🚗 For many, public transit is the only option to get to work, school, medical appointments, and essential services like groceries.

Proposed Solutions and Legislative Action

• 💰 Governor Shapiro has proposed a dedicated funding stream for mass transit, which has passed the House three times but has not been taken up by the Senate.
• ⏳ A temporary $80 million stop-gap measure was secured to extend services until June 30th, but permanent funding is urgently needed.
• 📊 The proposed budget includes nearly $300 million for transit systems across Pennsylvania, representing the first significant investment in over a decade.

Consequences of Inaction

• 📉 Without adequate funding, transit agencies like LANta will face drastic service reductions, potentially cutting routes by 20% or more.
• 💸 Service cuts could also impact ADA paratransit and shared ride services, alongside fare increases of up to 30%.
• 🚫 Failure to act will hinder economic development, strand talent, and leave large portions of the population behind, impacting workforce infrastructure and community well-being.

Support from Legislators and Community Leaders

• 🗣️ Lawmakers from the Lehigh Valley and across the state have voiced strong support for the governor's transit funding proposal, emphasizing its importance for economic growth and community connectivity.
• 💼 Business leaders and workforce development organizations highlight transit as a critical component for connecting workers to jobs and supporting business needs.
• ✅ The proposed funding aims to stabilize and advance transit services without raising taxes, utilizing existing sales tax revenue to provide a sustainable funding model.