Executive Summary

The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) knows that Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure is a vital component of our state economy and our prospects for future growth and job creation.  A viable transit system is especially critical to our regional economy as employers, commuters and consumers depend upon safe, reliable and affordable service that SEPTA provides.

Chronic funding shortfalls have threatened the viability of SEPTA and transit systems statewide for many years.  This serious problem is the subject of an intensive study by the Pennsylvania Transportation Funding and Reform Commission.  By Executive Order, Governor Rendell assembled this legislative/administrative body to identify and structure a permanent, long-term funding solution to avoid major reductions to transit services increases in transit fares and employee layoffs.

To aid the Commission’s information gathering, the GPCC is preparing to testify once again before the nine-member group on Friday, September 15, 2006. At an earlier hearing in May, GPCC concurred with the Governor’s admission that transit service reductions will indeed harm the Commonwealth’s business climate and damage our competitiveness, and second, offered specific examples of the impact that a breakdown in SEPTA service will have on individual businesses, employees and customers.

As leaders and decision-makers, we share a common goal to improve the competitiveness of Greater Philadelphia.  Essential to our efforts is a sound investment strategy for Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure that includes:

• A predictable and sustainable funding source for public transit statewide to end chronic operating budget shortfalls, and to allow for planning and growth
• A capital program that will enable highways, bridges and transit systems to complete state of good repair initiatives and address changing regional needs.

Many groups of stakeholders have been working over the last year to assess the problems facing transportation in the Commonwealth and to identify objectives and options for solving the impending crisis and securing our economic future.   It is our hope that the state Legislature will consider and act on this vital information during the fall session. 

GPCC will hold a special Legislative Breakfast on Thursday, October 5, 2006, 8 a.m., at the Hilton Philadelphia.  Together with business leaders from across the region, we hope to welcome welcome members of our southeastern legislative delegation to this important update on the crisis facing public transit and highways throughout Pennsylvania.