Transit advisory group formed for SEPTA talks

In an effort to deal with SEPTA’s and mass transit’s financial crisis, with the state Legislature adjourned until next year, House Majority Leader Samuel Smith, R-Jefferson, has formed a Public Transit Advisory Group that will meet next week with SEPTA officials.

Also, top federal transportation officials have agreed to meet with state officials at the request of Gov. Rendell, but no date has been scheduled. State officials are considering the legality of diverting federal highway funds to transit operations to prevent drastic fare increases and service cuts.


"Just two weeks ago the Legislature adjourned with 10 days left on their calendar and chose to take no action to help mass transit," said Kate Philips, the governor’s press secretary.

"The governor is now faced with finding a solution that couldultimately come at the cost of road and bridge projects across the state," Philips said.

State Rep. Tom Killion, R-168, of Middletown, a former SEPTA board member representing Delaware County, is among four legislators named to the advisory group Wednesday.

Smith said the group will meet with SEPTA officials either Tuesday or Wednesday about its current $62 million budget deficit. Subsequent visits will also include meetings with SEPTA workers and system tours to learn how the agency works.

Similar visits are planned for the Port Authority of Allegheny County and other transit agencies.

The SEPTA board will meet a second time Dec. 16 to vote on a contingency proposal that would raise cash fares from $2 to $2.50 and tokens from $1.30 to $1.70 starting Jan. 23. On March 1, the cash fare would rise again to $3 -- the highest in the nation -- and $2 for tokens.

The sixth of nine alternatives considered by the board also calls for a 20-percent reduction in weekday service and Sunday-service levels on Saturdays starting Jan. 23.

The proposal was approved Dec. 2 by 13 board members, but vetoed by Philadelphia’s two members, who said the action would have the greatest impact on their residents who comprise about 80 percent of the riders. Their vetoes are expected to be overridden.