SEPTA’s Board Chairman and General Manager today expressed their gratitude to Senators Casey and Toomey, and the entire Pennsylvania Congressional delegation, for their work on a federal assistance package that would include relief for public transportation.
“SEPTA is extremely grateful to Senators Casey and Toomey and the entire Pennsylvania Congressional delegation for their tireless efforts to reach a bipartisan agreement on a federal coronavirus assistance package that provides desperately-needed funding for SEPTA,” said SEPTA Chairman Pasquale T. Deon Sr. “The critical emergency relief in this bill will help SEPTA sustain operations through the COVID-19 crisis and be positioned to serve the region once recovery begins. We are hopeful for the swift passage of this bill.”
SEPTA General Manager Leslie S. Richards noted how the funding would help SEPTA get through the unprecedented crisis.
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have been in direct communication with the Congressional delegation regarding the staggering operational and financial impacts on SEPTA,” said SEPTA General Manager Leslie S. Richards. “Federal assistance is vital as SEPTA continues to operate throughout the region during this crisis – providing critical service to medical personnel and other essential workers, and offering life-line services for residents. For those who are doing their part to shelter in place and slow the spread of COVID-19, this assistance will help SEPTA be here for you when you return to work.”
Richards also noted that SEPTA will continue its efforts to control costs. Last week, SEPTA announced it was instituting 10 percent pay reductions for the General Manager and executive team, temporarily eliminating overtime pay and freezing new hiring. The Authority is continuing to look for additional methods to reduce expenses moving forward.
For the latest SEPTA information during the COVID-19 crisis, visit https://www.septa.org/.https://www.septa.org/
