Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania stepped up to save Philadelphia’s mass transit system from a “death spiral” by shifting $153 million in federal highway funding to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. This move was made possible by the flexibility of federal funds allocated to states for transportation improvements. In contrast, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York opted to lower congestion pricing tolls in New York City, potentially affecting transit upgrades.
Advocates are urging governors to utilize federal funds on transit projects to reduce environmental impact and support mass transit. In Pennsylvania, the shift in funding has secured the future of SEPTA until a permanent solution can be achieved. However, it remains to be seen how the incoming Trump administration will respond to similar requests for highway funding to be redirected to transit.
President Joe Biden’s infrastructure law has allocated a historic amount of funds for transportation improvements, yet the majority of this funding has been directed towards roads rather than public transit. This has raised concerns about the potential negative impact on greenhouse emissions and the effectiveness of the infrastructure law in addressing climate change.
Shapiro’s proactive approach in Pennsylvania has set an example for other governors to consider similar actions to support mass transit infrastructure and reduce reliance on highways. Advocacy groups in Pennsylvania successfully pushed for the redirection of funds, highlighting the importance of public engagement in transportation funding decisions. If governors, like Hochul in New York, follow suit, it could lead to a more sustainable and climate-friendly transportation infrastructure.
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