December 4, 2024
On December 4, 2024, the DVRPC Board approved a TIP action facilitating the transfer of $153 million in federal highway capital funds to SEPTA, allowing the transit agency to meet its immediate operating needs and postpone additional fare increases and service cuts.
On December 4, 2024, the DVRPC Board approved a TIP action facilitating the transfer of $153 million in federal highway capital funds to SEPTA, allowing the transit agency to meet its immediate operating needs and postpone additional fare increases and service cuts. This follows Governor Shapiro’s recent directive to PennDOT to “flex” or transfer these funds from PennDOT’s Interstate Management Program to SEPTA.
DVRPC is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Greater Philadelphia region. In this capacity, DVRPC is tasked with developing and maintaining the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the region. DVRPC amended the FY2025 TIP for Pennsylvania by adding the Federal Preventive Maintenance Program back into the TIP in the amount of $191,250,000 (including the $153,000,000 in “flexed” highway funds and $38,250,000 in SEPTA’s existing local funds to meet the required local funding match). This TIP action is required to allow SEPTA to access the federal funds.
In addition to the “flexed” highway funds and the local match provided by SEPTA, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties are contributing over $38 million in additional local funds. This “flex” of highway funds is a stopgap measure that will provide additional operating funding support to carry SEPTA through the fiscal year that ends on June 30, providing time for the Pennsylvania State Legislature to take action on a comprehensive funding package in spring 2025.
In September 2024, the DVRPC Board members from southeastern PA submitted a letter to the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee. It highlights the critical need for sufficient funding for our transit systems; outlines the potential outcomes of SEPTA’s operating budget crisis if not addressed; and emphasizes the need for greater funding towards our transportation infrastructure generally (including roads and bridges) across the region. Read the joint letter to the PA House Transportation Committee.