Philly Leader

The state of Pennsylvania has been awarded $9.8 million to make infrastructure and safety improvements to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) by building new bus systems, and Gov. Tom Wolf recently applauded the work of the Biden Administration for continuing to invest in the state's infrastructure.

The Biden Administration has done so through the Federal Transit Administration's Grant for Buses and Buses Facilities Program, a recent news release by Wolf's office said. Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, an additional $5.1 billion in grant funding has been authorized through the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program for the next five years. SEPTA will be receiving these funds to create two new bus transportation centers in South Philadelphia. This will create end-of-the-line facilities for up to nine routes with ADA-accessible stops.

"Public transportation, especially bus systems, are a critical support for communities throughout Pennsylvania," Wolf said in the release. "I applaud the Biden Administration for their shared interest in updating our infrastructure and the importance of having safe, reliable and accessible public transportation."

Pennsylvania was one of 39 states given a portion of $409.3 million in grants, the release said. The funds are to modernize and electrify buses nationwide, as well as make bus systems and routes safer and more reliable.

Leslie S. Richards, the general manager and CEO for SEPTA, said the the bus network is a key component to how people get around the region, taking hundreds of thousands of riders to work, school, medical appointments and more.

"Funding through this grant provides enhanced customer accessibility while also allowing SEPTA to invest in our frontline operators and provide them with the facilities they need to do their jobs safely," Richards said in the release.