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The state of Pennsylvania is a step closer to approving a dedicated funding source for public transit. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently approved an amendment to House Bill 1590 that would create a public-private partnership between the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to provide funding for bridge and road repair, and public transit systems.

The House is expected to pass the bill in the near future, according to Gov. Edward Rendell’s office. It then will go to the Senate for consideration.

The state’s public transit systems currently do not have a dedicated funding source, resulting in budget shortfalls that have prompted many agencies, including the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and Port Authority of Allegheny County, to drastically cut service and raise fares.