This week I conducted an email interview with SEPTA bus operator and I hope you find this both informative and helpful. Below are answers from the SEPTA bus operator:

As a bus operator do you have any insights about the SEPTA funding crisis

that is currently happening? Do you think Septa’s transit agency needs to be more fair about this?

Not because I’m an operator, but as a citizen I try to stay abreast of the state funding cycle. Funding for transportation, education, the arts, etc are all important and we need to make sure our state representatives and senators are fighting for things to continue and enhance our quality of life. 

I’m not sure what you mean by SEPTA’s transit agency, because that’s the name of the transit agency nor am I sure what you do mean by fair.

2) With the SEPTA funding crisis looming this summer, is there hope for SEPTA as we

fight for more funding?

I am cautiously optimistic that they will be a funding solution. I hope that the state representatives and the state senators understand the importance of mass transit across the state as every county in the state has some sort of public transit operating in it. 

All agencies statewide will be affected without a transit funding solution.

3) Since, there have been SEPTA rallies thus far the last couple months, do you think

we are putting enough pressure on the PA state to get more funding for public transit?

I like to think that everyone is doing a tremendous job of putting pressure on our politicians. Folks have written letters, sent emails, participated in phone banks, and even taking the day off to go to Harrisburg to rally and meet with lawmakers to discuss the importance of this. I’m so proud of all of the hard work everyone is doing!

4) As we fight for more SEPTA funding across the city of Philadelphia, do you think there will

be a solution over this long term?

As stated above, I’m cautiously optimistic. I would like to see the city increase their funding share every year to help with the operating costs of transit. A 3% increase each year would do wonders!