The state Senate today unanimously passed legislation that would modernize the management of Pennsylvania’s public transportation systems, said bill sponsor Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49).
“Senate Bill 597 seeks to ensure both funding predictability and local control over spending decisions so that our public transportation systems can provide critical mobility to citizens across the commonwealth,” Laughlin said.
To preserve transit operations across the commonwealth, SB 597 is designed to address its diverse funding challenges in a comprehensive way. This legislative initiative will modernize the management of our public transportation systems with a focus on capital funding predictability and ensuring funding is spent as dictated by local decision-making.
“Each day, public transportation provides over one million rides to people throughout all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties,” said Laughlin. “We need to make sure these systems can continue to contribute to mobility, economic vitality, sustainability and enhanced quality of life throughout our state.
“The Senate’s approval of my legislation begins a needed conversation about local control of transportation decisions and making the public transportation planning process more predictable for the local providers of this vital service, such as the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority in my hometown of Erie.”
SB 597 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Laughlin’s website at www.senatorlaughlin.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @senatorlaughlin.
