COUNCILMEMBER JAMIE GAUTHIER ISSUES STATEMENT ON IMPENDING SEPTA ‘DEATH SPIRAL’

PHILADELPHIA - After SEPTA announced today that a funding shortfall will force them to (among other things) raise fares by nearly 30% and cut service by 20%, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier issued the following statement:

"We should all be alarmed by the significant fare increases and service cuts proposed by SEPTA. Republicans in Harrisburg are responsible for this predictable but avoidable scenario, and they must prevent this irreversible death spiral.

"My constituents in West and Southwest Philadelphia rely on SEPTA to get to work, school, healthcare, and other essentials. Reliable public transportation is absolutely essential to the economic success of both my constituents and the commonwealth. I shudder to think about the catastrophic damage that will be done if SEPTA's proposed fare increases and service cuts go into effect.

"The time for political games is over. A bill funding SEPTA already passed the Pennsylvania State House with bipartisan support. I call on Pennsylvania Senate Republicans to stop stonewalling and immediately send House Bill 2625 to Governor Shapiro's desk. If all else fails, I urge Governor Shapiro to do everything he can to stop the bleeding."

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