Wake Up Philly - They're destroying SEPTA! Whatcha Gonna Do About it?

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All!

 

I have to admit that I'm gobsmacked!

I can't believe that Philadelphians, and those of the other surrounding communities, are just gonna stand around, with their toe in the sand, with a woe is me look on their face, and allow The SEPTA BOARD to get away with defunding the most essential - and, up until recently - one of the best well run, transit systems in the US, by passing a dicey FY26 blood sucking budget.

You gotta be kidding me!  How do they get to take a break when they haven't completed their responsibility in taking care of the business and welfare of those they were elected to serve.

 

 

I'm even more surprised to learn that a deficit of $213 Million stands between SEPTA's being operational or set aside to gather cobwebs.  Though I don't have that amount in my back pocket, I'll bet there are probably some Philadelphians who do!! PHILLY IS THE CITY OF QUIET MILLIONAIRES.   I get it that there are some managerial structural issues that must be addressed, but there are also options to NEGOTIATE NON-PREDATORY, stop-gap loans with  them and/or some of the major corporations that are headquartered here while the legislators are making other arrangements.  

A 45% CUT IS NOT THE SOLUTION!  We know that these are some specious times - but attrition is not the answer!

Eliminating 38 bus routes, and no longer providing transit services to neighboring communities and towns is not the answer, and shows a lack of insight.  You can't build revenue when there is no service.  You need them to keep running while you begin finding private - non-predatory - interim funding sources. While the counties might not be allowed to tax their constituents to maintain the service, why not set up community, state and local investment programs to help underwrite SEPTA?

The SEPTA Board taking off with this problem still looming makes it appear that they don't care about the massive harm that is soon to be visited upon their constituents with the diminution of service. Lack of creative approach to a problem that will clearly bring widespread harm, is to be considered a dereliction of duty.   

Not providing the necessary funds to expand and maintain SEPTA for all in the South Eastern Pennsylvania region - which includes Philadelphia, Delaware and Montgomery counties, as well as Trenton, Delaware, and other surrounding areas is criminal! 

Each and every Pennsylvanian - regardless of your political affiliation - and EVERY PHILADELAPHIAN - should be camping out on the front porch of every one of these board members and your reps and not allowing them to move or enjoy their unearned vacation  until SEPTA is fully funded.  

NO VACATION FOR THEM UNTIL THEY TAKE CARE OF US.  They have cars, personal drivers, and are not directly affected by this shut down.  Not a luxury many of us have access to.

Just like Philly took to the streets to demonstrate against the predator in chief's demented draconian behavior, you must accord them same treatment.  This sheeple behavior is not the Philly I know.  I'm accustomed to people who are straight on when it comes to demanding and standing for their rights. 

The media is going around asking insipid questions of people who are standing at bus stops waiting fcor service - and folks are falling for the pity poor me scenario.  What needs to be heard is that there is grass root leadership activating protests until this is rectified and the service is expanded.  And goodness I truly hope so!

Philadelphia is the 6th largest city in the US.  It rocks back and forth between cast as one of the poorest and one of the the rising stars.  Without a viable transit system they are being fast tracked to poverty and decay.  And remember - 2026 IS THE 250th Anniversary of Philadelphia! Limping into that historical  period of celebration when we'll be rendered less well off than our founding Fathers in unconscionable!!

So now I say again:   WTF PHILLY! WATCHA GONNA DO ABOUT THIS?

In addition to SEPTA'S Board, we have stated, local and federal representatives!! YOU ELECTED THEM  TO LOOK OUT FOR YOU - Dems and Repuglycons!  When they don't, you've got to stand for yourselves.  You neeed to flood the local offices of your State, City and Federal reps;  as well as SEPTA's Headquarters - and demand they do their job - come up with a better plan to save SEPTA - immediately, if not sooner.

We appear to have allowed our attention on the ridiculous actions of the predator in chief in DC to divert us from what's happening here and now in real time.  We've given them the proverbial "inch" by making the announcement to downsize SEPTA as though it's okay, and there are no other options.  We have to now stop this at the pass!

While it appears SEPTA may suffering from the same kind of incompetent representation we are dealing with in DC, I'm hoping that's not the case - and that we've enough of a sense of self preservation to not let it slip by!   

This is our wake up call - we are responsible for making sure we don't get thrown under the bus either by Harrisburg or DC, our own inactivity!

It's time to stop whining on the TV news and start demanding they do their job.  

So let's send a message to the SEPTA Board members, and to those we have elected  - Our needs will not be neglected!!  MAYBE WE START A PETITION TO MAKE SURE THEY KNOW WE'RE ALL CONNECTED!  BECAUSE THE SITUATION WITH SEPTA MUST BE CORRECTED!

    IMMEDIATELY - IF NOT SOONER

 

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

STAY BLESSED

 

Gloria DULAN-Wilson