Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) recently released a proposed budget of $2.7 billion for fiscal year 2027, a 1.9 percent increase over the current year.
The budget includes a $920.7 million capital budget. The budget is part of the $16.3 billion 12-year Capital Program. It dedicates $7.7 billion to fleet replacement for trolley cars, L cars, and Regional Rail cars and relies heavily on debt to fund the railcar replacements.
It also includes a $1.84 billion operating budget. The agency has found $30 million in annual savings and reduced its structural budget deficit from $213 million to $192 million.
The proposed budget includes a $394 million capital funds transfer the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation approved to support operations
“By using the resources we receive even more efficiently, we continue to do more with less and reinforce our commitment to being good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer said. “With stable, dedicated funding, SEPTA can transform into a modern, best-in-class transit system that strengthens communities, supports the economy, and keeps southeastern Pennsylvania moving.”
SEPTA will hold four public hearings about the operating budget on May 11 and May 12 and two public hearings on the capital budget on May 13.