After a widespread hunt, SEPTA officially designates Scott Sauer as General Manager, removing the 'interim' tag from his title.
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SEPTA, our beloved regional transit system, has a brand-new general manager, Scott Sauer, who's got the top job after a nationwide search. According to SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth Lawrence, Sauer's been the steady hand we needed during turbulent times, with 35 years of service and experience in every aspect of the organization under his belt.
Temple University founder Russell Conwell's "Acres of Diamonds" speech served as inspiration for Lawrence's decision. He believes that SEPTA's diamonds—their solutions—are right here in our backyard, and Sauer certainly fits the bill.
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But SEPTA's not out of the woods yet. The transit giant's staring down a whopping $213 million annual budget deficit, and drastic service cuts and fare increases are on the table if funding isn't secured. 32 bus routes could be axed, subway, Regional Rail, and bus lines reduced, and special services for events such as ball games phased out.
If that's not grim enough, a 21.5% fare hike and even more severe cuts are set to kick in by next year unless additional funding magically appears. Talk about striking while the iron's hot—or maybe more like holding your breath and hoping for the best!
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Sauer's been making the rounds in Harrisburg, lobbying for a permanent funding source that'd let SEPTA budget on a year-to-year basis, rather than enduring those nerve-racking annual deficit-bridging improvisations. "I'll never say no to more funding" is his stance on a one-time cash infusion, though he's clear that it's not a sustainable solution.
Sauer acknowledges that effective funding could prevent grim forecasts like service cuts and fare increases, but he's bracing himself for whatever comes next. His focus now is on daily operations, delivering the most reliable and safe service possible under the circumstances.
While Sauer waits for that miracle funding, he won't turn down a quick injection of cash, but he's hopeful for a lasting solution that'll do more than just postpone the conversation.
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In the midst of SEPTA's financial struggles, with a $213 million annual budget deficit, the new general manager, Scott Sauer, is lobbying for a permanent funding source in the finance industry, aiming to stabilize the transportation sector and prevent drastic service cuts and fare increases. Despite the ongoing search for funding, Sauer continues to prioritize delivering a reliable and safe service in the industry.
