MERION STATION, PA — State Rep. Mary Jo Daley will host a public roundtable on Thursday, June 5, to address the future of mass transit funding in Pennsylvania, with a particular focus on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and its economic impact. The event, featuring a panel of experts and officials, will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the second-floor Board Room of the Lower Merion Township Building at 75 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore.
The discussion aims to highlight the critical role of mass transit in Pennsylvania’s economy and explore opportunities for sustained funding. The public is encouraged to attend and participate, either in person or via a live-stream on YouTube and Lower Merion Township Television (LMTV Live).
Key Speakers
The roundtable will be moderated by Robert Previdi, a member of the Pennsylvania Transportation Advisory Committee and policy director for Save the Train. The panel includes prominent voices in transportation, urban planning, and economic policy:
- Ariella Maron, executive director, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
- Richard Voith, president and chair, E-Consult
- Scott Sauer, general manager, SEPTA
- Bernard Dagenais, president, Main Line Chamber of Commerce
- Todd M. Sinai, president, Lower Merion Township Board of Commissioners; professor at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
- Peter Staz, developer of transit-oriented projects, Core Development
Each speaker will provide a unique perspective on how mass transit can advance Pennsylvania’s economic, environmental, and social priorities.
Economic Impact of Mass Transit
The event will explore the significant economic contributions of investing in public transportation. According to the American Public Transportation Association, every dollar spent on mass transit generates five dollars for the economy. Additionally, every million dollars invested creates 500 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs across various industries.
Mass transit systems, like SEPTA, are vital to connecting communities, reducing congestion, and driving commercial activity. For every dollar spent, $3 are added in new business sales, underscoring the indispensable role of public transportation in regional growth and development.
Encouraging Public Participation
Attendees are urged to use SEPTA to reach the Lower Merion Township Building, which is located five minutes from the Ardmore train station and accessible via several bus lines. This aligns with the event’s message of supporting public transportation as a sustainable and efficient travel option.
The roundtable serves as an opportunity for residents, business leaders, and policymakers to engage in a meaningful dialogue around transit funding and its broader implications for Pennsylvania’s economy.
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