Governor open to idea to fix SEPTA deficit with trust fund – Bucks Round-Up – August 28, 2025
Governor open to idea to fix SEPTA deficit with trust fund
As SEPTA reduces service to cope with a $213 million deficit, a Bucks County lawmaker has been vocal in pushing for a solution he says will not add to Pennsylvania’s growing fiscal problems. Bucks County State Senator Frank Farry (R-Langhorne) is calling on colleagues to tap into the state’s Public Transportation Trust Fund, which currently holds $2.4 billion. Farry argued the point in the State Senate just prior to the SEPTA service cutbacks this week. Farry said that moving $300 million from that account over the next two years could restore full service without touching the state’s structurally imbalanced General Fund. “These funds, with the governor’s signature, could be available today,” Farry said, calling it a responsible way to stabilize SEPTA’s finances. Governor Josh Shapiro (D) has signaled some openness to the idea of using trust fund reserves but continues to push for a broader, long-term agreement on public transit funding. Both chambers of the legislature have advanced plans, though divisions remain. The Senate Republican proposal to use the trust fund was rejected by House Democrats, who instead passed a measure, House Bill 1788, that would raise money for SEPTA by redirecting a portion of sales tax revenue. Senate Republicans voted against that bill, warning it could burden taxpayers while failing to solve the transit agency’s deeper issues. The standoff leaves SEPTA in limbo, with Philadelphia-area commuters now bearing the brunt of cutbacks. For suburban riders, including many in Lower Bucks who depend on regional rail, the reductions could mean longer commutes and less reliable service. With $2.4 billion sitting unused in Harrisburg, Farry says lawmakers have a straightforward option at hand. Whether the governor and the divided legislature can reach agreement before service disruptions deepen remains to be seen. SEPTA will increase fares by 21.5% on Monday, September 1.
Levittown driver revived by officer after serious crash
Falls Township Police investigated a serious two-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon that left a Levittown man unresponsive and revived only after CPR. The accident happened around 4:30 p.m. along the southbound lanes of U.S. Route 13 near Lower Morrisville Road. According to police, a 31-year-old man from Levittown was driving a gray Nissan Altima in the left lane when his vehicle drifted into the right lane, hit a guardrail, and then impacted a green Jeep Wrangler. A 47-year-old Morrisville woman driving the jeep was not injured due to the collision. Officer Scott Hall responded to find the male driver unresponsive, suffering head and facial trauma. Hall removed the man from the wreckage and started CPR, successfully restoring a pulse before the driver was transported to a local hospital. Police said preliminary evidence suggests the man may have been under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the crash. No charges have been filed as of Wednesday evening, but the investigation remains active. Falls Township Police ask anyone with information to contact Falls Township Police Officer Scott Hall at (215) 949-9126.
Bensalem police arrest Philadelphia man, recover stolen gun
Bensalem Township police say a routine traffic stop this week led to the arrest of a Philadelphia man and the confiscation of a stolen handgun. According to police, an officer on patrol near Rockhill Drive and Lincoln Highway pulled over a silver GMC Acadia Monday afternoon after noticing the vehicle carried an expired tag that was registered to another car. The driver, identified as 36-year-old Isaiah Love of Lardner Street in Philadelphia, reportedly admitted the SUV had not been registered since he purchased it and was unable to provide proof of insurance. A check of records confirmed the vehicle was unregistered and uninsured and the officer prepared to have it towed. Before the car was searched, police say Love asked to retrieve a black satchel from under the seat along with his wallet. Officers removed the bag and discovered a loaded 9mm Beretta APX handgun inside. Love claimed he had a permit to carry, but the weapon was run through the National Crime Information Center and found to have been reported stolen in North Carolina nearly six years ago. Officers also discovered a small quantity of marijuana and paraphernalia. Love faces multiple charges including receiving stolen property, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and several traffic violations. Love was arrested and arraigned by District Justice John Galloway and released on $10,000 unsecured bail. The case underscores ongoing concerns about stolen firearms making their way into Bucks County from outside jurisdictions. Police emphasized that what began as a simple traffic violation quickly revealed a more serious public safety issue, highlighting the importance of proactive patrol work.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB.
