ICYMI: Boyle Warns SEPTA Funding Impasse Will Cost Amtrak Passengers

PHILADELPHIA, PA – This morning, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) held a virtual press briefing to sound the alarm about how the SEPTA funding impasse could cost southeastern Pennsylvania tens of millions in Amtrak funding and damage Amtrak’s ability to contribute to Philadelphia’s economy.

“Tens of thousands of my constituents rely on SEPTA to get to school, go to work, and to live their lives,” said Congressman Boyle. “But the SEPTA funding crisis doesn’t just impact SEPTA – it will severely impact Amtrak’s operations in our area. Tens of millions of dollars in funding for Amtrak is at stake, and if this funding is disrupted it will risk potential service cuts and threaten Amtrak’s ability to maintain basic rail infrastructure.”

Background:

• In FY25, SEPTA contributed $71.1 million to Amtrak to cover the operation of SEPTA service across the Amtrak system.
  • SEPTA contributed $42.3 million for capital projects and infrastructure work, such as tracks and signals in FY25.
  • SEPTA contributed $28.8 million in operating expenses, such as policing and station operations in FY25.
• Amtrak calculates that if SEPTA is forced to cut service, Amtrak will face almost $50 million in lost revenue.
  • Amtrak would be responsible for $30.7 million in total additional capital renewal spending due to missing SEPTA payments.
  • Amtrak would receive $18.9 million less in operating reimbursements from SEPTA if SEPTA is forced to slash service.
• As the primary owner and operator of rail infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) and throughout Pennsylvania, Amtrak receives payments from users of its track, including commuter services such as SEPTA, to cover both the operations and capital investments along the corridor.
   

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