Legislation would modernize management of public transportation systems

Legislation soon to be re-introduced in the state Senate would modernize how public transportation systems are managed.

Under the bill, Title 74 would modernize the management of public transportation systems with a proposal the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association (PPTA) supports. The proposal would include 13 measures to provide predictability in capital funding and increase local control in transit decisions.

The measures will seek to maintain the existing formula for operating funds; maintain the existing split for capital funds; provide for a detailed independent planning study or Transit Development Plan conducted by award recipients instead of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT); allow performance measures to be determined locally; modify language concerning fare increases; allow PennDOT to develop and implement a pilot program for shared ride service delivery; require PennDOT to provide more accountability on the amount, use, and distribution of funds on an annual basis; revise language for meaningful performance reviews based upon public participation and agency specific criteria; and ensure capital funds are bondable.

The PPTA represents the state’s public transportation systems. Public transportation provides more than 1 million rides daily statewide.

Act 89 of 2013 provided funding to public transportation systems, but future funding is uncertain.

The legislation was introduced as Senate Bill 1264 during the last session.