PHILADELPHIA — Pennsylvania State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta began a five-day walking tour from Philadelphia to Harrisburg on Friday, urging state leaders to take immediate action on transit funding amid SEPTA’s ongoing service cuts.
What We Know
This Article Includes
Rep. Kenyatta started his journey from his North Philadelphia home Friday morning, aiming to reach West Chester by nightfall. Along the way, he stopped at the 69th Street SEPTA station around 9:30 a.m. for a press conference and planned a 6 p.m. rally at the West Chester Courthouse.
On Saturday, Kenyatta will resume his walk, heading to Lancaster for another rally. Between Sunday and Monday, he’ll travel through rural Lancaster County, livestreaming his journey and speaking with riders and advocates.
He plans to arrive at the State Capitol in Harrisburg on Tuesday, where he’ll hold a press conference on the Capitol steps.
What They’re Saying
Kenyatta blamed state Republicans for blocking critical budget and appropriation bills already passed by the Pennsylvania House.
“This fight is about the students stranded trying to get to class, the seniors missing doctors’ appointments, and the workers forced to choose between keeping their jobs and getting home at night — all because Republicans refuse to do their damn job,” Kenyatta said.
The 20% SEPTA service cuts, enacted after the agency failed to secure state funding, have affected 50,000 middle and high school students in Philadelphia who rely on SEPTA for transportation to class.
“House Democrats have already passed five bipartisan bills to protect transit, roads, and bridges. But Senate Republicans would rather host fundraisers and clay shoots than keep families moving,” he added.
The Backstory
Facing a $213 million budget shortfall, SEPTA implemented sweeping service cuts just a week ago after missing the funding deadline.
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32 bus routes eliminated
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16 routes shortened
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Service reduced on 88 bus, Metro, and Regional Rail lines
Some bus routes are expected to be restored in September using part of an existing $135 million transit subsidy.
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