SEPTA is inviting the public to submit feedback on the proposed Fiscal Year 2020 Capital Budget and Fiscal Years 2020-2031 Capital Program. Comments can now be submitted online at https://www.septa.org/notice/2020capbudget.html, and members of the public are invited to ask questions and give their feedback during two public hearings that will be held at SEPTA Headquarters on Monday, April 29.
Under the Fiscal Year 2020 Capital Budget and Fiscal Years 2020-2031 Capital Program, SEPTA will advance its “Rebuilding the System” initiative with plans to renew critical infrastructure, replace aging portions of its fleet, expand rail capacity and make technology improvements. The Fiscal Year 2020 Capital Budget covers the 12-month period from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.
The proposed FY 2020 Capital Budget is $675 million, which includes all anticipated funding from the state. SEPTA had prepared a version of the budget that deferred dozens of critical improvement projects due to a lawsuit challenging the use of Pennsylvania Turnpike funds for public transportation. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit on April 4; however, the decision has been appealed.
Should full funding be restored, SEPTA will move ahead with a number of major initiatives, including:
- Communications, Signal Systems and Technology Improvements
- Infrastructure Safety Renewal Program
- Safety and Security Improvements
- SEPTA Key – Fare Modernization Project
- Vehicle Purchases and Overhaul Program
- Bridge Improvement Program
- SEPTA Key – fare modernization project
- Stations, Loops and Parking Improvements
- Substations and Power Improvements
- Improvements to Maintenance Facilities, Shops and Offices
The full budget proposal, including program and project details, can be viewed or downloaded on the SEPTA’s website at https://www.septa.org/strategic-plan/reports/fy-2020-cap-budget-2020-2031-program-proposal.pdf. The public hearings will be held on Monday, April 29, with sessions at 11:30 am and 5 pm, in the Board Room at SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market Street, Philadelphia. For details, please see the hearing notice at https://www.septa.org/notice/2020capbudget.html.