Trump administration falsely takes credit for critical SEPTA funding

Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy is trying to claim Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s victory in securing state funds for important upgrades to SEPTA’s regional rail fleet. 

U.S. Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy appeared to take a victory lap for releasing $220 million in emergency funding so the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) can make critical infrastructure and safety improvements to its aging regional rail fleet. 

“This substantial investment is a significant step in the right direction for a system that has been on the brink of collapse for too long,” Duffy said in a statement. 

“In addition to funding, we’ll need to see a tangible plan to ensure SEPTA is meeting sufficient safety standards for the well-being of passengers and transit workers alike.”

However, there is one problem with Duffy’s claim and press release: he didn’t do it.

Federal authorities forced SEPTA to take its aging fleet offline due to safety issues in October, and in response, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration released $220 million in capital funding from the state to help make the necessary repairs. 

Here’s how the funding will be spent.

• $95 million for upgrades to SEPTA’s regional rail fleet.
• $17 million for railcar leasing and procurement from the Maryland Area Rail Commuter Baltimore and Montreal Exo rail systems
• $8 million for metro fleet upgrades to overhaul metro fleet traction motors and upgrade door operators to ensure safe, reliable service
• 48.4 million for utility fleet & power infrastructure upgrades to replace the aging overhead catenary wires across SEPTA’s trolley and rail networks, and purchase new equipment to allow for more efficient inspections and maintenance of trolley infrastructure.
• $51.5 million for other safety-critical infrastructure investments to upgrade escalators in SEPTA stations, purchase advanced inspection technology, and implement safety improvements at SEPTA’s Control Center to ensure continuity of operations.

“Governor Shapiro allocated $219.9 in state capital dollars to SEPTA to support urgent safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements to keep riders safe and deliver reliable, on-time service,” Rosie Lapowsky, a spokesperson for Shapiro, said in a statement. 

All credit for the SEPTA success belongs to Shapiro.

“We would welcome Secretary Duffy and the Department of Transportation to do the same — step up to the plate with federal funding to continue to strengthen Pennsylvania’s transit infrastructure,” Lapowsky added.