HARRISBURG – A bill to invest in our transportation infrastructure by providing $1.2 billion to help address roadway needs across Pennsylvania and improve the safety, accountability and stability of our mass transit systems has been approved by the Pennsylvania Senate, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).
House Bill 237 recognizes the need for mass transit funding, but not at the expense of the rest of the commonwealth. The plan turns a necessary corner in the right direction by prioritizing equity in funding, ensuring small communities and rural areas also receive resources.
“Poor roads, vehicle damage, weight-limited routes and long detours are issues in every corner of my district. Few subjects generate more interest than road conditions and funding,” Baker said. “Flat tires, bent rims, worn shocks and struts, wheel misalignments: the list of constituent complaints is lengthy, as are the repair bills. People ask why they pay high gasoline taxes, increased vehicle registrations and escalating turnpike tolls, yet their road maintenance always seems insufficient. And emergency responders tell me how deficient transportation robs them of crucial moments in responding to desperate, life or death situations.”
Additionally, the legislation matches and exceeds what the governor proposed by providing $292.5 million to mass transit this year and another $300 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year and allocates an equal amount of money to fund road projects statewide. As amended by the Senate, House Bill 257 provides necessary additional funding in a way that protects taxpayers, improves safety on transit systems and implements new accountability measures. Importantly, this plan does not impact the General Fund. It also directs most of the new funds to come from the Public Transportation Trust Fund, which has grown from $370 million in 2019 to more than $2.4 billion today. The plan strengthens transit safety by increasing criminal penalties for assaults on transit workers, prohibiting safe injection sites near transit locations and implementing fare evasion and safety improvement measures. Accountability measures for SEPTA, Pittsburgh Regional Transit and other large transit agencies will include new audits, enhanced system performance criteria and exploration of public-private partnerships.
“To be clear, this is not free money for mass transit. Rather, the agreement brings real dollars to real needs,” Baker said. “The inefficiencies and problems afflicting the larger and more costly transit systems have been well documented. If you ask employers and employees in the areas served by mass transit, they tell us the system should and can be made better.”
As part of budget negotiations, the Senate also passed Senate Bill 160 to provide funding at the levels included in the final budget for 2024-25 fiscal year. If the House of Representatives also approves the legislation, the state can immediately begin disbursing nearly $47.6 billion without the need for any new taxes.
“The passage of Senate Bill 160 marks an important step forward in this year’s budget process, putting people above politics as budget discussions continue,” Baker said. “This action supports our most vulnerable citizens and represents a practical and prudent approach to budget implementation by ensuring essential services are funded.”
House Bill 257 and Senate Bill 160 are both in the House of Representatives awaiting approval.
CONTACT: Jennifer Wilson