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Josephs Encourages SEPTA Board to Reject 'Plan B' Proposal

PHILADELPHIA, May 25 – State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., urged Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority board members yesterday to reject a plan that would eliminate transfers, raise all fares and sharply cut services.

The proposal, called "Plan B," would take effect by the end of the summer unless the state legislature can provide the nearly $100 million SEPTA budget deficit.

"You cannot have half or three quarters of a transportation system; the operative word is system," Josephs said. "If there is no comprehensive system, there is no transit. It's like being a little bit pregnant. There is no such thing."

Josephs said she wished that the state Transportation Department would eliminate access to the 5,900 bridges in Pennsylvania that are maintained by the state to alarm citizens of the transportation budget shortages.

"It's like the story of the frog and boiling water," Josephs said. "If you put a frog in cold water and put the heat on underneath, the frog will allow itself to be boiled to death. But if you put a frog in boiling water, it will jump out. I don't know if frogs act that way, but humans certainly do."

As the only state representative who does not own a car, Josephs has been a strong supporter of public transportation. She said that SEPTA should continue to run until its funds are gone.

"Everyone complains about high gas prices. An easy way for them to cut down on their oil consumption is to use public transportation. As legislators, we need to make mass transit more accessible to people, not raise fares or cut transfers," Josephs said.

She said she is urging business not to oppose any new business taxes or user fees that policy makers might have to impose.

"What they have to do is help us with the solution, even if it means some business sector is going to pay more taxes," Josephs said.

The board vetoed the proposed fare increase yesterday, but it could still go into effect next month when the board will vote on it again.

Several other officials testified before the board yesterday, including Gov. Ed Rendell, who encouraged members to lobby their representatives for more mass transit funding.

Josephs said she will continue to work at the state level for a solution to the lack of funding for public transit and the state's roads and bridges.