PA Mobility Partnerships

Addressing the transportation funding crisis.

The Southeast Partnership for Mobility (Partnership), a collaboration between the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) in coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), was created in late 2017 to develop a blueprint to meet the region’s growing mobility challenges and to develop potential solutions to address the impacts of changes coming to Act 44 public transportation funding sources.

After a 15-month study, the Partnership, issued a report that provides lawmakers and local elected officials with the necessary background to:

• Secure statewide public transportation funding to ease the PTC’s need for future toll increases and ensure stable funding for public transportation.
• Pass enabling legislation to allow the new local revenue sources to be invested in projects to accommodate and accelerate regional growth.

An Advisory Council comprised of leaders representing the region’s major employers, civic associations, elected offices, and transportation agencies advised the Partnership with thoughtful guidance that is reflected throughout the report.

Transportation is not a cost; it is an investment.

The report details how the region is a critical driver of the statewide economy and the role that SEPTA plays, noting that southeast Pennsylvania generates 41 percent of the state’s total economic activity and is home to 32 percent of its population on just 5 percent of its land. The Philadelphia region has grown by more than 100,000 new residents since 2010. This level of density and economic productivity is only possible with a high-capacity transit system to keep the region moving. Review SEPTA’s Economic Portal for more details.

SEPTA has also identified four game-changing projects that will help to transform the region. Click here to learn more about the SEPTA Projects of Significance Economic and Fiscal Impact.

PA Turnpike and its customers need relief from Act 44.

Act 44 required the PTC to provide PennDOT with $450 million annually for highways, bridges, and public transit, with Act 89 of 2013 modifying the payments to dedicate the full amount to public transit. In 2022, PTC payments to PennDOT for transit will be reduced to $50 million and then $450 million will be provided from the state’s General Fund. The report makes it clear that the state’s current system for financing transit statewide, which is heavily dependent on PA Turnpike tolls, is increasingly at risk. The PTC needs to provide relief to its customers from excessive toll hikes and make critical investments in new interchanges to power economic growth across our entire commonwealth.

To maintain the baseline of $450 million to support Pennsylvania’s public transportation systems, the legislature should consider alternative funding sources and timing. For example beginning now, gradually transition the PTC payments to provide the PTC with sooner. There are several benefits as follows.

Southwest Partnership identifies challenges and provides options.

The Southwest Partnership for Mobility today released a report regarding challenges facing the region’s transportation system as a resource for state elected officials as they address the need for dedicated, annual statewide funding.

The Partnership, co-chaired by PTC Chair and PA Department of Transportation Secretary Leslie S. Richards, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and Port Authority of Allegheny County CEO Katharine Kelleman, called on the legislature to act quickly to address identified needs and offered their commitment and willingness to help.

A common theme throughout the process from all stakeholders, members of the Advisory Council and the Partnership co-chairs was one of “connections.” While the focus was on the Port Authority as the transit provider for the region’s core, the transit agencies throughout the region rely upon state funding to provide the services upon which its riders rely.

Key Findings and Next Steps

Act 89 of 2013 stipulates that in 2022, PTC’s annual payment to PennDOT (per Act 44 of 2007) will be reduced from $450 to $50 million; the burden for the difference will transfer to the state’s General Fund. The time to find a solution is now.

This region is growing, and we need to start investing more in our transportation infrastructure or that growth will end. It is vital to establish a reliable, stable and sustainable funding source. Doing nothing is the most expensive option for this community. To continue moving forward, we need statewide support.

Specifically, two actions are needed to address the region’s transportation funding challenges:

• Fix Pennsylvania Act 44. Stabilize statewide public transportation funding without the current structure that relies on payments from PTC. This will ease PTC’s debt burden and need for future toll increases without adversely affecting the operational stability or progress provided by Act 89 of 2013, and also allow the PTC to continue expanding and maintaining its system.
• Fund projects to maintain the region’s competitiveness. Pass enabling legislation to allow the region’s residents and local officials to explore locally-enacted revenue sources. This will allow local officials to make decisions about investments in additional projects to accommodate and accelerate regional growth.

PA Turnpike and Customers Need Relief From Act 44

The report makes it clear that the state’s current system for financing transit statewide, which is heavily dependent on PA Turnpike tolls, is increasingly at risk. The PTC needs to provide relief to its customers from excessive toll hikes and make critical investments in new interchanges to power economic growth across our entire commonwealth. To maintain the baseline of $450 million to support Pennsylvania’s public transportation systems, the legislature should consider alternative funding sources and timing. For example beginning now, gradually transition the PTC payments to provide the PA Turnpike with relief sooner. There are several benefits as follows.

Advisory Council

The Port Authority of Allegheny County, the PTC, and Allegheny County formed the Partnership in early 2018 to address the challenges facing the region’s transportation system. The Partnership formed a cross-sector advisory council of regional stakeholders that included transportation agencies, local elected officials, major employers, and civic leaders. Every county in the region had a seat on the Advisory Council.

Participants shared unique insights into the transportation challenges and opportunities in the Pittsburgh region. They emphasized the need to provide connections for residents and employers to ensure continued growth in southwestern Pennsylvania.