On April 17th, I spoke at a press conference about the urgent need to secure funding for public transportation in our region. Public transit is a lifeline for so many of our communities, including my own. Below is a glimpse of what I shared during my remarks. My full remarks begin at the 40-minute mark at this link. I encourage you to watch through the entire press conference to listen to the personal stories and testimonies of all who particiapted.

Below is a transcript of my testimony:

"Hello, my name is Joi Washington. I serve on the SEPTA Citizens Advisory Committee and as a Councilmember in Media Borough, where I’m also a member of our Transportation Committee.

If you know Media, you know the trolley — the 101, now called the D1 — that runs right through State Street. It’s more than just transportation; it’s part of our town’s identity, even featured in our official logo. Along with the trolley, we have several bus routes and a regional rail stop that connect people to work, school, medical appointments, community events, and their polling places.

That morning, I arrived at the press conference on the 118 bus — one of 50 bus routes that could be eliminated if Pennsylvania doesn’t secure critical funding for public transit.

I grew up in Germantown, Philadelphia, where my family relied on SEPTA’s buses and the Chestnut Hill West (CHW) regional rail line to get to work, school, and healthcare appointments. Those experiences shaped my decision to live in Media — a community where walkability and public transit make life more accessible for everyone. It’s heartbreaking to think that the CHW line is now among the several regional rail lines at risk.

Public transportation is vital for communities like ours. In Media, small businesses depend on employees who take the trolley to work. Losing transit options would put businesses, workers, and customers at risk.

The consequences go even further. Eliminating routes and cutting service would hurt our economy, public health, and environment. More cars on the road mean more congestion, more pollution, greater safety risks — and fewer affordable commuting options.

Towns like Media need frequent, reliable transportation. Without it, we face more traffic, fewer opportunities, and the real risk of economic decline. SEPTA helped shape Delaware County’s growth — our charming town centers grew around train stations and trolley stops. Without SEPTA, these places would suffer, and property values throughout the county would drop.

I am grateful to State Representative Jennifer O’Mara, Senator Tim Kearney, our County Officials, and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon for their strong support of public transportation.

Now, it’s time for the Pennsylvania legislature to act. Let’s bring public transit funding to a vote and deliver for the people of Pennsylvania."