HARRISBURG—The
Pennsylvania Transportation Funding and Reform Commission began a
series of public hearings on September 11 on the funding crises facing
the Pennsylvania transportation system. These hearings will conclude
September 18, 2006, in Harrisburg. The Commission released initial
findings on August 23rd, detailing the scope of the funding crisis. The
Commission is scheduled to release a final report on November 15, 2006,
which will include recommendations for addressing the problem. The
initial findings estimated that a minimum of $497 million will be
needed to stabilize Pennsylvania’s public transit systems.
“It’s
clear that the General Assembly must act before the end of session to
preserve our public transit systems,” said Jim Swoyer, an advocate with
the Pennsylvania Public Interest Group (PennPIRG), “It will be too late
if we wait until January to attempt to get something done.”
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.
“The
General Assembly needs to adopt revenue sources for public
transportation that are permanent, sufficient, and reliable,” said
Swoyer, “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.”
PennPIRG
is advocating that the General Assembly adopt or expand a series of
revenue sources that are permanently dedicated to funding public
transit. These funding mechanisms would be 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.
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. Jim Swoyer is scheduled to testify at the September 18
Commission hearing in Harrisburg.
