Recently, the yearly SEPTA budget has tended to fall in the red.
But $129 million is a bit excessive. So goes the logic behind the recent
"Plan A" proposal, which would increase fares by about 11 percent.
Unfortunately, the two Philadelphia representatives on the SEPTA board vetoed this proposal, pushing back a final decision until late June.
About when the Pennsylvania state budget process will be wrapping up.
This year's budget is of particular note to Philadelphia riders, since Gov. Ed Rendell has proposed to create a dedicated funding stream for the chronically underfunded transit body.
A good idea, of course - SEPTA is an essential component of our local economy, and it must be able to continue providing service to the region.
To that extent, the state government has a vested interest in ensuring that the buses and trains keep running, and it must show its support financially.
Still, an imbalance of $129 million is an absurd figure, one that Philadelphians can't expect Harrisburg to take care of automatically.
Which is why the "Plan A" proposal makes sense. Its modest and practical fare increases would generate additional revenue of $35 million, allowing SEPTA to only seek $94 million from the state.
It would've been a gesture on SEPTA's part, showing the legislature that the transit authority isn't simply sitting by idly as it bleeds funds.
Only two other choices exist: The state can decide to fund all of SEPTA's shortfall from here on out, or SEPTA will be forced to enact the catastrophic "Plan B" measures that would raise fares by 24 percent and cut service by 20 percent.
Citizens will always need an affordable way into and around the city, but the state shouldn't be seen a cure-all. If SEPTA can work toward becoming more financially viable without compromising its services, that's a start.
