Editorial: Stopgap transit funding is acceptable, but doesn't replace a permanent fix

PittsburghRegional Transit should follow the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in requesting access to state Department of Transportation funds set aside for, but uncommitted to, capital projects.

It’s an unsatisfactory solution — in fact, it’s no solution at all — but it’ll ensure Pennsylvania’s top transit agencies don’t cut services or drain their reserves while lawmakers bicker in Harrisburg. It’ll also offer them a one-year buffer before they have to implement whatever longer-term solution state leaders come up with.

SEPTA requested access to the funds, nearly $400 million, based on an obscure provision in state law after its attempt to pare back services was halted by a Philadelphia judge. While the judge did not provide reasoning for her decision, it is pr