Pennsylvania Transportation Funding and Reform Commission released its
final report today and recommended a series of funding options to shore
up our public transit systems. Serious budget deficits are looming in
January, and it is very likely that transit agencies will have to raise
fares or cut service unless the state intercedes.
“The
General Assembly needs to adopt revenue sources for public
transportation that are permanent, sufficient, and reliable,” said Jim
Swoyer, a Public Interest Advocate with the Pennsylvania Public
Interest Research Group (PennPIRG), “Transit is a public good that
serves millions of riders every day, and it benefits everybody by
reducing pollution, relieving congestion, and helping to preserve our
public spaces. It is also a vital component of economic development.”
Two
years ago transit systems were faced with roughly a $200 million
shortfall; in response agencies moved forward with plans to raise fares
by as much as 50%, and eliminate weekend and nighttime service. A
last-minute compromise between Governor Rendell and the General
Assembly diverted federal highway money to public transit. These funds
run out on December 31, 2006.
PennPIRG
is advocating that the General Assembly adopt or expand a series of
revenue options that are tied to the sources which help drive the
underlying social costs created by pollution, congestion, and
unfettered sprawl. Currently much of these costs are displaced on the
general public. Another goal is to reinvest some of the benefits
private entities such as developers or realtors reap from public
transit.
Among
the initiatives PennPIRG is proposing are expanding the real estate
transfer and rental car taxes, imposing a sales tax based on vehicle
weight, instituting storm-water and transportation impact fees,
creating a battery tax, as well as expanding some existing fees
relating to vehicle use. PennPIRG opposes fare hikes, and rejects any
proposals that would reduce the overall quality and quantity of service.
