Republicans in the Philadelphia region leverage Eagles' home opener to advocate for increased funding for the SEPTA transit system
State House Democrats representing the Philadelphia area gathered outside NRG Station this week, calling on state Senate Republicans to return to the negotiating table as a state budget impasse over transit funding continues. The call to action comes as the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for their home opener, with the sports team's sponsor, FanDuel, stepping in to help ease the burden of SEPTA service cuts.
In response to the service cuts, Uber is offering free rides to Philadelphia seniors, while FanDuel has announced a gameday sponsorship to resume the Broad Street Line's Sports Express trains for the Eagles' home opener. The sponsor of this initiative is Bud Light.
SEPTA will have 10 express and 6 local trains to get fans home from NRG Station. Before the game, Sports Express trains will run every 10 minutes. Postgame trips will operate for roughly 70 minutes. Free rides from NRG Station will begin at halftime and continue through the end of service.
However, Pennsylvania Democrats argue that using capital funds for transit would negatively impact transit statewide. In an effort to address this issue, they are advocating for House Bill 1788, which aims to increase the share of sales tax revenue for roads and mass transit funding.
Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Philadelphia, expressed gratitude for FanDuel stepping in but noted that SEPTA cuts affect everyday people trying to get to work and school. He emphasised that transit funding should be the job of the legislature. Rep. Sean Dougherty, who introduced HB 1788, asked the Senate to return to the negotiating table to find a solution for funding mass transit and SEPTA.
Meanwhile, the city has used funds to restore some SEPTA bus routes most used by students. Special service stops at Fern Rock, Olney, Girard, Spring Garden, Race-Vine, City Hall, and Walnut-Locust stations before reaching NRG Station.
A temporary injunction has been granted by a Philadelphia judge, halting fare increases and additional service cuts for SEPTA, pending another hearing set for Sept. 4.
As the state budget impasse continues, it remains to be seen whether the Senate Republicans will heed the call to return to the negotiating table and find a long-term solution for funding mass transit in Pennsylvania.
Read also:
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Uncovering Political Ad Transparency: A Guide to Investigating opponent's Political Advertisements in the Digital Realm
- Elon Musk praises JD Vance's debate performance against Tim Walz
- Right-wing Israeli minister supports controversial plan for West Bank settlement expansion
