John,

Last week, I made a commitment: To make sure that all of our city’s students can get to school on time and safely.

That’s why my administration stepped up with City funds to restore priority SEPTA routes that were eliminated or reduced, enabling students to get to school on time and return home safely, while alleviating crowding for all riders.

We need our students – Philadelphia’s future – to be at school learning and participating in extracurricular activities without interruption or challenges.

When SEPTA’s announced service cuts went into effect at the start of the school year, families across our city felt the impact immediately. Too many kids were late or didn’t make it to school. That is unacceptable.

The restoration of bus routes will allow students to be at school learning and participating in extracurricular activities without interruptions. Starting today, several routes will begin running again, ensuring young people can get to class on time, safely, and reliably.

But let’s be clear: the city of Philadelphia is doing the best we can with the limited resources we have.

That is why my administration and I have been in constant contact with leaders in Harrisburg on both sides of the aisle, urging them to stay at the negotiating table to deliver the critical funding for SEPTA that will keep the economic engine of Southeastern Pennsylvania moving.

And through it all, my administration will be doing everything we can because this is about more than public transportation. It’s about opportunity, safety, and ensuring that every student has a fair chance to learn and succeed.

One Philly, A United City.

— Mayor Parker