Harrisburg, PA) – Senator Art Haywood (D-4) is stepping in to help students stranded by devastating SEPTA service cuts that were allowed to take effect under Republican leadership in the State Senate.
Senator Haywood has partnered with Martin Luther King High School and Building 21 in Northwest Philadelphia to deliver brand-new bicycles for students. The school leadership team identified a number of students hit hardest by the loss of transit service. The bikes will help students get to and from school despite the ongoing transportation crisis.
“My Republican Senate colleagues have failed us all,” said Senator Haywood. “When Martin Luther King High told me about students stranded by the SEPTA cuts, I knew we had to act. We are delivering bikes from local businesses so these young people can get to school, and I’m asking the community to join me in standing up for them.”
Haywood emphasized that while bicycles can help a few students in the short term, the only real solution is full, fair funding for SEPTA.
Republican leaders have proposed an unacceptable plan to raid funds meant for station improvements and hike fares year after year. Even worse, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman admitted on the Senate floor that he is holding onto a 15-year-old political grudge as an excuse to block real solutions.
“Public transit is a lifeline for students, workers, seniors, and families,” Haywood said. “Pennsylvania has the resources to fund SEPTA and transit systems statewide. What we don’t have is room for revenge politics from Senate Republicans. Our neighbors should not pay the price for partisan games. Call Senate Republicans today and tell them to fund SEPTA, fund public transit, and restore dignity to Pennsylvania’s riders.”
Bikes will be delivered to students beginning Thursday of this week.