Answering the pleas of public transit advocates in southeastern Pennsylvania, Gov. Josh Shapiro has directed Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll to immediately transfer $153 million in federal highway capital funds to SEPTA.

Shapiro said the $153 million can help SEPTA maintain services and avoid steeper fare increases until he can come to an agreement on a wider transportation funding deal with state lawmakers.

SEPTA has secured $153 million in federal funds to bridge its massive budget gap this year, courtesy of an end-run by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Why it matters: The 11th-hour funding boost allows SEPTA to avert the big fare hikes and service cuts that were planned for the coming months.

Gov. Josh Shapiro said Friday that he will divert more than $150 million in federal highway funding to provide a one-time injection into SEPTA.

Gov. Josh Shapiro said Friday that he will divert more than $150 million in federal highway funding to provide a one-time injection of cash into Philadelphia’s mass transit system to help it avoid near-term service cutbacks and delay fare increases.