I took SEPTA for work for 5 years, and its overall a pretty good system. But SEPTA is in my view not hampered by anything more than Philadelphia's city government. There are arguments around the state not supporting SEPTA more. However until Philadelphia gets rid of their asinine resident and worker tax, and business REVENUE taxes which push middle class and wealthier residents, workers and companies to the suburbs. If more businesses are in the city, then there can be more efficient trains. But most of the big businesses are in KOP, Blue Bell, Malvern, etc.
When a company can at any point leave the city, and get a 2% revenue tax break, and give all of their workers a 4% raise, its stupid of them not to. Only Universities, Hospitals, Lawyers and non-profits are actually in the city (Or a few big companies that have massive tax breaks and hand outs).
This policy pushing businesses to the suburbs and incentivizing the suburbs means people are just going to drive from Lower Merion to Blue Bell or whatever, and not take the train to work.
When a company can at any point leave the city, and get a 2% revenue tax break, and give all of their workers a 4% raise, its stupid of them not to. Only Universities, Hospitals, Lawyers and non-profits are actually in the city (Or a few big companies that have massive tax breaks and hand outs).
This policy pushing businesses to the suburbs and incentivizing the suburbs means people are just going to drive from Lower Merion to Blue Bell or whatever, and not take the train to work.