Local lawmaker’s bill could bring speed radar to municipal police
Senate Bill 1237 is sponsored by State Sens. Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat who represents parts of Bucks County; Nick Miller, a Democrat who represents Lehigh and Northampton counties; and Greg Rothman, a Republican who represents Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties.
Pa. House approves bills for optional digital driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations
House Bill 2210, authored by state Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, passed by a vote of 197-3 and would allow for digital vehicle registration cards, as PennDOT no longer mails the cards to residents when they renew their registrations online.
Pa. Turnpike Commission approves 2027 annual budget and 10-year capital plan
The Pa. Turnpike Commission unanimously approved the 2027 annual budget and the 2027-2036 capital plan. Turnpike officials say the $478 million operating budget represents 4% growth from the current year, and the 10-year capital plan invests $8.29 billion in infrastructure – supporting total reconstruction, interchanges, highway maintenance, facilities, structures, fleet and IT.
Pa. gas, diesel prices rise as lawmakers weigh tax proposals
Pennsylvania consumers and businesses are feeling the impact of rising fuel prices, with gasoline prices up 39% and diesel fuel prices up 51% over the past year. According to AAA, the average price of unleaded gasoline in Pennsylvania was $4.64 per gallon on Wednesday, compared with $3.33 a year ago. diesel fuel rose from $3.98 per gallon to $5.99 during the same period.
Program to restore driver’s licenses expands in Pittsburgh region
A legal aid program to help low-income individuals get their drivers’ licenses back following a suspension has expanded from Washington County to nine other southwestern Pennsylvania counties.
Pa. Senate votes to end auto emission inspections
The state Senate passed a bill that would end Pennsylvania’s emissions inspection program for non-commercial vehicles, splitting the legislative body along regional lines.
City Council to consider expanding SEPTA’s student fare program
Students, parents and teachers will get the chance to share their thoughts on expanding SEPTA’s student fare program after Philadelphia City Council approved a resolution to hold hearings on the matter. Students in seventh through 12th grade can qualify for a free fare card, but some parents said the eligibility requirements are too rigorous. A date for the hearings, which will be held with the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities, has not yet been scheduled.
Center City bus terminal reopens as Philly Parking Authority Transportation Center
After renovations and nearly 3 years of closures, Philadelphia’s Center City bus terminal has reopened — it’s now known as the Philadelphia Parking Authority Transportation Center. Brandon Goldner gets a look inside on the first morning in operation.
April PA state revenue
The Motor License Fund received nearly $309 million for the month from gas and diesel taxes, as well as other license, fine and fee revenues. April collections were more than 8% greater than anticipated or about $520 million over estimate, and the fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections remain nearly $993 million or about 2.4% over estimate.