Gov. Josh Shapiro’s decision to redirect $153 million in federal highway funds to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA, has drawn sharp criticism from Senate Republicans, who argue it diverts money from critical road and bridge projects.
GOP leaders say this move undermines a July bipartisan agreement to provide $80.5 million in temporary transit funding, which required a re-evaluation of SEPTA’s operations amid declining ridership and safety concerns.
Republicans accuse Shapiro of prioritizing transit funding without addressing SEPTA’s budget issues, calling the decision “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” They argue Pennsylvania, a top contributor to mass transit nationally, risks burdening taxpayers and neglecting infrastructure needs in Republican-led districts.
The caucus called for a comprehensive review of SEPTA’s delivery model to ensure fiscal accountability and equitable benefits. Senator Joe Pittman said in a statement that Senate Republicans “remain committed to reforms that balance the needs of all taxpayers.”
