Cephas calls for continued funding of mass transit programs
Announces her legislation to provide free transit passes for certain students
Rep. Morgan B. Cephas March 6, 2026 | 1:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA, March 6 – This morning outside of City Hall, state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., spoke at a news conference highlighting the need for city and state investments in mass transit for Philadelphians.
Cephas was joined by City Councilman At-Large Nicolas O’Rourke, as well as transit supporters and advocates calling for the protection of the Zero Fare program and the municipal SEPTA Key Advantage program in the city budget.
The nationally renowned Zero Fare program provides 60,000 low-income Philadelphians with free transit access while the SEPTA Key Advantage program helps 13,000 city workers get to their job. Both are essential to hiring and retaining municipal and city-based workers, increasing ridership and fighting poverty.
“These programs are a significant example of government funding that helps reduce the day-to-day expenses of our neighbors,” Cephas said.
Cephas also spoke about her legislation that would provide free transit passes to community college and Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education students. The bill would create a state-level grant program to which educational institutions would apply with a required match from the local educational institution.
“Encouraging workers and students to commute on SEPTA not only helps with their personal finances, but boosts transit ridership, reduces congestion, traffic and pollution on our highways and streets, and displays confidence in mass transit. Reliable and affordable transportation reduces barriers for many students and workers, and would increase performance and attendance. This is a win-win for everyone.”
That legislation is currently accepting co-sponsors in the House of Representatives and waiting for a bill number and committee assignment.
The 192nd Legislative District comprises communities in West Philadelphia which are north and west of Market Street including Overbrook, Overbrook Park, Wynnefield, Carroll Park and others.