Save Public Transportation
By State Sen. Connie Williams

 Ask any local historian, visit one of our great local historical society Web sites, or pick up a book on the Main Line and you will learn about an area that was founded on a rich transportation past. From railroads to a system of roadways that converge in this area, the Main Line is truly a microcosm of Pennsylvania’s transportation past and present. And what we do today will be a good indicator of the future of transportation, along the Main Line and across the Commonwealth.

Anyone who lives, works, shops or simply enjoys visiting the communities along the Main Line can tell you that one of the area’s greatest assets is its local rail lines. Of course the area also boasts ample parking and great places to shop and dine. Many of us ride the trains on a regular basis. Others simply enjoy the convenience of using the trains on occasion.

In short, public transportation is being used -- and used effectively.

Pennsylvania’s public transit plays a vital role in the quality of our life. It aids in reducing traffic and pollution, and contributes to the economy of the region. It is a necessity for some people, who rely on the bus or train to get to work, to the doctors or to the store; and is an important part of a transportation plan, for others, who may use buses or trains to get to the Main Line, Philadelphia, or other areas for appointments, shopping or entertainment.

 When SEPTA announced rate hikes and route cuts in 2004, people justifiably were concerned. I shared their concern then and continue to now. In October of 2004, I testified at a public hearing hosted by SEPTA, expressing my concern over proposed fare increases and route cuts, and calling on the organization to hold off on making any changes.

Just after Thanksgiving, high-ranking legislative leaders adjourned several days before the 2003-04 Legislative Session was over. Several colleagues and I wrote a letter to our legislative leaders in the House and in the Senate and asked that we reconvene session to address funding for public transportation. Unfortunately, we were not called back to Harrisburg and the governor was forced to look at using federal transportation dollars (which would have been used for other Pennsylvania transportation projects) to help mass transit balance its budget.

Transportation is critical to our region. We need funds for road and bridge projects, as well as for SEPTA.

On January 10^th, the governor held another meeting with a number of key lawmakers to again talk about a solution to the public transportation crisis, which if left unchecked, will mean a loss of important transit options for the people in my district and citizens in the entire region. We all will feel the impact, if this issue is not resolved.

Following the meeting, there was an agreement that audits of transit agencies should be conducted. These audits will provide lawmakers, as well as members of the SEPTA board, with the information necessary to solve this crisis.

I am willing to consider any and all possible solutions to save public transportation in Pennsylvania. The final plan, however, must fully address a permanent solution.

A dedicated funding stream is needed, along with a closer look at how public transportation is structured and its underlying business model. The transportation model that was built in the 19^th century will not work in the 21^st century. Today’s system must remain as flexible, available and dependable as it was in the past, but it must work smarter and on a tighter budget.

Route cuts and fare increases force people to consider alternative forms of transportation. For some people it may be the impetus to move to a new area. These will likely prove costly to public transportation in the short term and could be part of its demise in the long term.

Finally, this issue is not just a Philadelphia or Pittsburgh problem. I will argue in Harrisburg that this crisis is a statewide problem. Whether or not you, your family, or the people that you represent, rely on trains or buses, you are going to feel the impact if we lose this valuable part of Pennsylvania’s transportation system.

Traffic on Pennsylvania roadways will increase, pollution will increase, and Pennsylvania’s economy will suffer as people are forced out of work and retail sales fall. Tourism and cultural arts will suffer, as fewer people are able to patronize the museum, sporting events and the arts in our metropolitan areas.

Pennsylvania adopted a new state motto last year – Pennsylvania is now known as the “State of Independence.” If we don’t fix public transportation – and soon -- we are going to have to modify the motto; Pennsylvania will become the “State of Independence, but only if you have a car.”