Neilson committee advances legislation to increase transit funding in all 67 PA counties
Rep. Ed Neilson October 9, 2024 | 11:16 AM
State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, announced today that the committee has advanced legislation (H.B. 2625) to increase state funding for transit agencies in all 67 counties.
“Residents of all 67 counties rely on public transportation for their employment, education or health care, all of which play a part to keep our economy strong,” Neilson said. “Rural, suburban, and urban communities all need reliable and accessible transit services.”
This bill would increase the allocation of existing sales tax revenue going to transit agencies from 4.4% to 6.15% without raising taxes. This increase will provide an additional $1.5 billion over the next five years to transit agencies across Pennsylvania.
This amount of funding was recommended by Gov. Josh Shapiro during his 2024-25 budget address last February. The House previously approved two other proposals this session to increase transit funding, but they have not been considered by the state Senate.
“I am hopeful that the House and Senate can come together to reach a solution as soon as possible,” Neilson said.
The legislation was introduced after Neilson led the House Transportation Committee on a statewide tour, listening to Pennsylvanians and transit experts speak about the importance of a robust and reliable public transportation system throughout Pennsylvania.
“We visited different communities across Pennsylvania, from rural Indiana to urban Philadelphia,” Neilson said. “Everywhere we went, the message was the same, that we must do more to fund transit in all 67 counties.”