On Sunday, 20% of SEPTA’s service is set to be slashed—just one day before 52,000 Philadelphia students who rely on it are supposed to start school. If Pennsylvania lawmakers don’t act immediately, they will be failing these kids and hundreds of thousands of other riders who depend on public transit every day.

The transit crisis is no accident—it’s a political stalemate. Gov. Josh Shapiro, House Democrats, and Senate Republicans all agree SEPTA needs funding, but they can’t agree on how to pay for it. While they argue, students, workers, seniors, and families will be the ones to pay the price.

The cuts won’t just cause delays and confusion—they’ll disrupt education, employment, healthcare access, and put even more pressure on already struggling communities. And with a 21.5% fare hike set to hit just days later, this will hurt those who can least afford it.

We, the undersigned, call on the Pennsylvania General Assembly—both the House and Senate—as well as Governor Josh Shapiro to immediately come to an agreement that restores and protects SEPTA funding. Whether that means a recurring revenue solution or emergency executive action, we demand leadership, not gridlock.

This is not just about Philly—it’s about the future of public transportation across Pennsylvania. SEPTA's crisis is a warning sign for every transit system in the state. We need sustainable, long-term funding, and we need it now.

Students shouldn’t miss school. Workers shouldn’t miss shifts. Families shouldn’t be left stranded. The legislature must act before it’s too late.

Governor Shapiro, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, House Democratic Leader Matthew Bradford: the public is watching. Do your job. Make a deal. Save transit.

Sign this petition to demand immediate action to stop the SEPTA cuts and protect public transportation for all Pennsylvanians.

Photo: Jessica Griffin/Philadelphia Inquirer