What's Happening?
In March 2026, Mayor Parker listened to the voices of transit riders and invested in the nationally renowned Zero Fare program that provides 60,000 low income Philadelphians as well as the municipal Key Advantage program that provides transit passes for more than 13,000 city workers.
Now the Mayor's budget proposal goes to the Philadelphia City Council. Your voice is needed to strengthen it and ensure they become law.
Throughout the budget process, Transit Forward Philadelphia will advocate for increased funding for Zero Fare, Key Advantage, and SEPTA. Additionally, we will advocate for universal student fares that give Philly students the freedom of mobility to reach opportunities on weekends, over the summer, and regardless of geography.
Are you new to budget process? That’s ok! You are welcome to join any of our events. We’ll share training materials in advance to make sure you know what to expect and how to participate. Additionally. We will host a training on April 20th with the People’s Budget Office and other mobility advocates to help you participate.
Here are the hearings we will focus on and how we will take action:
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April 15th (10am at City Hall) - Transportation Hearing with SEPTA
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There is no public comment at this hearing but we will sit together and show our support for increased transit funding in the City Budget.
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There is no public comment at this hearing but we will sit together and show our support for increased transit funding in the City Budget.
- April 21st (10am at City Hall) - Managing Director’s Office Hearing
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- The Managing Director’s Office oversees the Zero Fare program. We will sit together at the hearing to show our support for Zero Fare funding.
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At 1pm, public comment begins and we will share our support for Zero Fare.
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April 22nd (10am at City Hall) - School District of Philadelphia Hearing
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We will attend the School District of Philadelphia Hearing and share public comment at 1pm in support of universal student fares.
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We will attend the School District of Philadelphia Hearing and share public comment at 1pm in support of universal student fares.
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May 6th (10am-4pm at City Hall) - Public Comment
- We will attend this event to show our support for our transit budget priorities.
Budget hearings will be held in person at Philadelphia City Council Chambers, Room 400 (Fourth Floor), City Hall. Speakers interested in making public testimony should call 215-686-3407 or email [email protected] by 3 p.m. on the day prior to the public testimony session at which they wish to speak and submit the following information:
- Full name (including proper pronunciation and spelling)
- Whether you support or oppose a particular Budget bill or resolution
- Telephone number where you can be reached
- Street address
The City of Philadelphia is also hosting a series of neighborhood budget town halls that Transit Forward Philly will attend and speak up for investments in transit. Please sign up at the links below and we will follow up with next steps.
- April 7th (6pm at the Kroc Center - 4200 Wisahickon Avenue) - Sign up Here
- April 21st (6pm at Julia De Burgos Middle School - 401 W Lehigh Ave) - Sign up Here
- April 28th (6pm at Upper Room Baptist Church - 7236 Ogontz Avenue) - Sign up Here
- April 30th (6pm at the Mummers Museum - 1100 South 2nd Street) - Sign up Here
- May 5th (6pm at Salt & Light Church - 5736 Chester Avenue) - Sign up Here
Have questions on how to get involved? Email [email protected]. Your voice matters and we look forward to working together for a city budget that moves Philly.
Other ways you can help:
- Share this petition with your online and in-person network!
- Join us for an event to Save Zero Fare and Key Advantage.
- Call your City Council Member and share your support
