State rep. proposes funding solution for SEPTA

Increases in vehicle-related taxes could raise $110 million to resolve the fiscal crisis faced by Pennsylvania's mass transit systems, if legislators pass a proposal that was presented yesterday.

State Rep. Dwight Evans, joined by Gov. Ed Rendell and several other state representatives and senators, spearheaded the effort to eliminate funding shortfalls across the state's 41 rural and urban transit systems, at least for the short term.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, in the face of the shortfalls, recently announced a contingency plan that would eliminate all weekend services and increase fares to cope with its projected $62 million deficit.

SEPTA is in the process of assessing the impact of the proposed legislation on its own financial crisis.

"We're reviewing the proposal to see what it's going to mean in terms of our budget situation," SEPTA Public Affairs Director Richard Maloney said. "We're very appreciative of the efforts of Representative Evans and Governor Rendell."

The bipartisan coalition of 14 state legislators called for enactment of legislation that would be used to assist the state's transit systems.

"Our transit systems are directly linked to our local economies and workforces," said Evans, who is the Democratic chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

In a press conference in Harrisburg yesterday, he explained the critical nature of mass transit, and how it can reduce traffic congestion and other liabilities related to driving.

"For many, mass transit is the only way to get to and from their jobs," Evans said.

Expressing optimism that the idea could be massaged into a final bill, Evans said the proposal included an increase in the driver's records fee from $5 to $12, a $2 emissions inspection sticker fee, a doubling of the existing $2 motor vehicle rental fee and a $2 hike in the new tire tax, raising it to $3.

Mass transit advocacy groups seem to be content with the proposal, though many still express a desire for a longer-term solution.

"As a temporary measure, it's probably the best that we can get at this time," said Peter Javsicas, executive director of Pennsylvanians for Transportation Solutions -- a coalition of residents who are concerned with statewide transportation issues.

Javsicas supports these "sensible fees" and dismisses the claim made by Republican leadership that the proposal fails to address highway needs while placing the brunt of the financial burden on drivers.

"In some way, there needs to be increased funding to replace the funds that would be devoted to public transportation. The money needs to come from somewhere," Javsicas said, arguing that increased costs would discourage unnecessary driving.

"The hope is that these funds would help make public transportation more reliable, accessible and create improvements so that people will use it more," he said.

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