The Republican-controlled Pennsylvania Senate passed a bill on Tuesday that would fund SEPTA and avoid major service cuts at the end of the month , but it's expected to face challenges from Democrats in the state House.

Senators first passed an amendment to the bill, introduced by Republican state Sen. Joe Picozzi of Northeast Philadelphia, with a 27-22 vote along party lines.

The bill will now go back to the Pennsylvania House.

The funding would be drawn from the Pennsylvania Transit Trust Fund. It also includes safety and accountability provisions.

Picozzi called the bill a "bridge" that will fund SEPTA for the next two years.

"This proposal is the only viable plan to keep service running past the August deadline," Picozzi said. "By enacting this legislation, we give ourselves t

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