SEPTA depending on passage of transportation bill

SEPTA officials are preparing for the worst, detailing a doomsday scenario that they say will take place if Pennsylvania lawmakers don’t pass a transportation funding measure in the next nine days.

In a written press release, officials stated that SEPTA’s fiscal year 2014, which began on July 1, 2013, represents the fourth straight year of reduced capital funding from the state and the lowest capital funding in 15 years. Despite the lack of funding, officials also say SEPTA has seen its overall ridership hit its highest levels in over two decades, including an all-time high on its Regional Rail last year.

SEPTA officials warn that if they don’t receive the necessary funding they need, the results could be disastrous for thousands of riders in the area. SEPTA General Manager Joseph Casey says that there is already a problem with bridges and equipment in need of repair. A recent study revealed that Pennsylvania currently leads the country in structurally deficient bridges.

Read more at NBC Philadelphia.