Harrisburg, PA — On Monday, Governor Josh Shapiro announced the allocation of $219.9 million in additional capital funding to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to support urgent safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
The Governor’s announcement follows Senate Republicans’ refusal to support long-term recurring funding for mass transit in the 2025-26 budget, leaving SEPTA short funding needed to effectively address a series of emergency federal directives from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding Silverliner IV Regional Rail trains and the trolley network’s overhead catenary system.
The $219.9 million allocated by Governor Shapiro will support:
$95 million for upgrades to the Regional Rail Fleet, enhancing Silverliner IV safety and electrical systems with upgrades to Silverliner V propulsion, electrical systems, and reliability.
$17 million for railcar leasing & procurement from the MARC (Washington–Baltimore region) and Montréal Exo rail systems.
$8 million for metro fleet upgrades to overhaul metro fleet traction motors and upgrade door operators to ensure safe, reliable service.
$48.4 million for utility fleet & power infrastructure upgrades to replace the aging overhead catenary wires across SEPTA’s trolley and rail networks, and purchase new equipment to allow for more efficient inspections and maintenance of trolley infrastructure.
$51.5 million for other safety-critical infrastructure investments to upgrade escalators in SEPTA stations, purchase advanced inspection technology, and implement safety improvements at SEPTA’s Control Center to ensure continuity of operations.
These investments will allow SEPTA to comply fully with federal safety orders, accelerate Silverliner IV and trolley repairs, and maintain reliable service for residents and visitors.
Here’s what Pennsylvania’s leaders are saying about the Governor’s announcement:
Scott Sauer, SEPTA General Manager: "For the second year in a row, Governor Shapiro has stepped up and offered a lifeline to public transit in the southeast. More than ever before, we now have something we can look to to meet all of the deadlines that we have in front of us and all the challenges that we face. Thanks to the governor, with these new capital dollars, we can move on a number of issues that will improve service."
Marian Moskowitz, Chester County Commissioner & Vice Chair of SEPTA’s Board: “Thank you, Governor Shapiro — we appreciate your continued support for SEPTA and public transportation. You’ve been fighting for us since we first sounded the alarm about our funding crisis three years ago. These new capital funds are a lifeline that will help us maintain our fleet and infrastructure and plan for our future. Our Board remains committed to fiscal discipline, accountability, and improving safety, reliability, and customer service. I’m confident our team will put these funds to work quickly to deliver relief to our customers and prepare us for future challenges.”
Mayor Cherelle Parker, City of Philadelphia: “Governor… you've answered the call for leadership and demonstrated your commitment to an essential tool in Pennsylvania — not just through a speech and words… With this $220 million capital investment in SEPTA, let me say this, Governor, you didn't just talk the talk. You walked the walk. And you and our Secretary have made it matter for mass transit here.”
Senator Vincent Hughes, Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair: “Again, Governor Shapiro is stepping in to ensure Philadelphia and counties including Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, and Bucks have access to safe, reliable public transportation. The state Senate has had the opportunity to pass a long-term, sustainable public transit funding solution five times, and time after time, Senate Republicans have blocked our ability to get it done. Now the Republican-led federal government is sounding the alarm about SEPTA's need for safety and infrastructure improvements, and state Senate Republicans still choose to do nothing. I'm thankful Governor Shapiro is taking action that will end service delays and disruptions. And I will continue to implore my Senate Republican colleagues to work with Democrats to introduce a funding plan that will ensure our buses, trains, and trolleys are able to fully and safely operate for the people who rely on public transportation."
Representative Ed Neilson, PA’s 174th House District: “As a lifelong Philadelphia resident, I know how important SEPTA is to the 800,000 workers, parents, and students who utilize SEPTA daily. I’m thankful for Governor Shapiro's nonstop support of mass transit and his leadership as House Democrats fight for safe and reliable mass transit throughout the Commonwealth. This investment allows SEPTA to restore Regional Rail service by the end of the year. This is not about rural vs. urban areas because mass transit impacts all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. I hope Senate Republicans realize that we are all in this together and fund mass transit.”
Representative Chris Pielli, PA’s 156th House District: “These critical investments will enable SEPTA to make the Regional Rail fleet safe and reliable for 10 years while they procure new cars. Despite the PA State Senate’s unwillingness to provide funding for transit agencies — Gov. Shapiro continues to stand up for public transit.”
Neil Makhija, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners: "The Governor’s decision to invest in SEPTA brings us closer to the modern, reliable transit system our region deserves. And in the next budget, we need to fight for the additional $100 million a year that would allow SEPTA to deliver 15-minute service across key routes."
Here’s what Pennsylvanians are reading about the Governor’s announcement:
CBS News: Gov. Shapiro announces nearly $220 million in capital funding for SEPTA
WHYY: SEPTA gets $220M in state funds to help with capital issues and fixing trains
Philadelphia Tribune: Gov. Shapiro allocates $220 million to SEPTA for capital projects
WHYY: SEPTA gets $220M in state funds to help with capital issues and fixing trains
Politics PA: Shapiro Directs $219.9 Million in Additional Capital Funding to SEPTA
Delaware Business News: PA governor diverts nearly $220 million in transportation funds to SEPTA
FOX29: Shapiro announces $220 million investment in SEPTA safety, infrastructure
NBC10: Gov. Shapiro announces $220M in capitol funds for SEPTA safety upgrades
ABC27: Shapiro directs nearly $220 million to support SEPTA
The Shapiro Administration’s action will ensure SEPTA can continue to comply with federal orders, accelerate needed repairs, and maintain safe, reliable service for the nearly 800,000 Pennsylvanians who rely on SEPTA every day.