Opinion: Fare point: More SEPTA funding helps students pursue their education dreams

Unless lawmakers in Harrisburg approve SEPTA’s funding request in the upcoming state budget, the transportation agency will implement proposed measures that would impact riders across the Greater Philadelphia region, including route cysts and fare increases. For community members who rely on these services to pursue higher education at our region’s colleges and universities, the changes would create a significant barrier to fulfilling their dreams – and, in turn, hinder long-term workforce and economic growth in our communities.

Our region’s community colleges provide an essential pathway to high-paying jobs for students of all ages. We train the region’s workforce, educating nurses, teachers, scientists, first responders, healthcare providers, and many others who are essential to the vitality and well-being of our communities. SEPTA plays a vital role in making these opportunities accessible for members of our community.

As the president of Montgomery County Community College, I’ve seen firsthand how access to transportation affects the lives of our students, employees and community members. SEPTA is more than just a transit system. It’s a lifeline, connecting them to their classes, jobs, child care, internships, and essential services – and, ultimately, to the better life they are working so hard to build.

Both our Blue Bell and Pottstown campuses benefit from close proximity to SEPTA bus stops and regional rail lines. These service lines are key connection points for our community, enabling students who might otherwise be limited by geography or finances to earn degrees or credentials.

At MCCC, approximately 76% of our 13,800-plus students are part-time. Many of them balance college with work, family, and other responsibilities. SEPTA’s services provide a reliable and affordable option for commuting to and from campus. The proposed fare increases and service cuts may severely jeopardize their ability to attend classes, participate in clinicals and internships, and maintain employment. Two of the three primary bus routes that serve MCCC’s campuses are slated for a 20% reduction in service. Many students also rely on SEPTA’s regional rail lines as part of their commute, which will see service reductions and line eliminations if additional funding is not secured.

In its service reduction proposal, SEPTA also plans to reduce bus and rail frequency from hourly to every two hours, making commutes longer and more difficult for students, which could hinder not only their ability to attend class but also their access to vital on-campus holistic support services, including food pantries, tutoring, and counseling. The 21.5% fare increase adds yet another barrier, creating financial hardship for students who are already struggling to manage tuition and rising daily living expenses, including food, child care and housing.

These service changes would have immediate and detrimental impacts on students at all the community colleges in our region. Added barriers to higher education do not serve anyone. Community colleges are a key contributor to our region’s vitality and prosperity, providing a pathway for individuals of all backgrounds and ages to advance in their careers and boost their local economies. MCCC’s annual regional economic impact in FY 2021-2022 was $817.1 million, supporting more than 9,000 jobs.

Reliable and affordable transportation is essential to ensure that higher education remains accessible in our region. SEPTA doesn’t just move people – it moves dreams forward. Without an adequate, sustained funding solution, service reductions will threaten the education, employment, and futures of thousands of students across our region. We must collectively call upon our state lawmakers to invest in public transit – not only as infrastructure, but as a catalyst of opportunity and economic growth.