The state’s transportation system has experienced more than $1 billion in revenue losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Tom Wolf’s stay-at-home order reduced traffic volume on highways and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, reduced the amount of revenue from the liquid fuels tax and tolls, delayed work on all highway projects and created a backlog of driver’s licensing renewals, driver license exams and title transfers.
At a Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday, Acting Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Yassmin Gramian testified that revenue losses could result in more than $100 million less available for multimodal initiatives and at least $800 million less for construction and maintenance programs.
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission CEO Mark Compton testified turnpike toll revenues have fallen by approximately $118 million. As a result, he said the commission likely will not make its next Act 44 payment totaling $112 million in July, but will delay payment until October.
“Pennsylvania’s transportation system is the foundation of a strong economy, and we need a reliable system to help Pennsylvania recover from the global pandemic,” said Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland County). “An estimated loss of $1 billion to our transportation program will have a significant impact on highway safety, economic development and mobility for this year and next year.”
The federal CARES Act provides Pennsylvania with $1.1 billion for public transit agencies and $239 million for airports.