Transit riders and advocates press Council for SEPTA funding, permanent 0‑fare and more repaving

Eden McDougall, a District 2 resident who teaches in District 8, urged Council to fund SEPTA, make 0‑fare permanent and expand universal student fares. McDougall also asked for $2,000,000 more for Vision Zero traffic calming and reinforced protected concrete bike lanes, saying flexible posts "will not stop a car."

Richard Glynniak, speaking for Transit Forward Philadelphia and the Bicycle Coalition, warned that the proposed FY27 budget would cut annual repaving from roughly 100 miles to 50 miles, and urged Council to restore a 100‑mile target to support safe mobility for all road users and Vision Zero goals.

Isabel Melvin, a family business owner, urged investment in SEPTA, Vision Zero and a permanent 0‑Fare through a transit access fund, citing family members who were victims of traffic violence and saying reliable transit is critical for economic activity.

Advocates also noted the city will host several major events this year (including the World Cup and All‑Star Game) and urged Council to ensure capital and operational funding to avoid service disruptions for residents and visitors.

Why it matters: Testimony linked transit funding and street maintenance to safety, equity and economic activity, and asked Council to protect both capital projects (repaving) and recurring operational supports (0‑fare, SEPTA funding).

What’s next: These budget priorities will be considered during Council’s budget deliberations.