Transportation advocates and government officials gathered April 17 at the Chester Transportation Center seeking more state funds to offset $213 million in SEPTA cuts.
SEPTA’s shortfall means a 45 percent cut to services and a fare increase, reports Madeleine Wright for CBS News Philadelphia.
Officials that spoke included U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, Chester Mayor Stefan Roots, Media Borough Councilwoman Joi Washington and State Sen. Tim Kearney.
“There’s no way we’re going to withstand, accept, or even believe that you’re going to shut down this train station,” said Mayor Roots.
Anthony Coschignani, Swarthmore College associate vice president of Campus Services, said the proposed cuts will bring Swarthmore College to a standstill.
Media Councilmember Washington added, “And it breaks my heart to know that the Chestnut Hill West Line is one of the several regional rail lines, along with the Wilmington Line that will be on the chopping block.”
Advocates are now calling on the Republican-led state Senate to provide full funding for SEPTA.
State. Sen. Tim Kearney promised that when the Delaware County delegation shows up in Harrisburg this June to work on the state budget, “we are not coming back without a budget that funds SEPTA.”
Find out more about protests seeking state funds for SEPTA at CBS News Philadelphia.
