I'm not saying SEPTA doesen't need the money, but they have continuously demonstrated that they are not financially responsible. Most of the irresponsiblity is in how their money is spent on capital projects, and basic maintenance.
Just a few examples:
MFL cars, which are barely 6 years old have rotting seats, doors that don't work right, annunciation system that periodically does not work, and are very poorly maintained (dirty, smelly) which is why I nickname it the Smell.
Market East announcement system: Often announces trains are "Next to arrive" as the train is departing. If you're sitting in the lobby listening to it instead of waiting on the platform, chances are you'll miss your train.
Ticket Machines which don't accept today's currency.
New MFL 30th Street Headhouse: very dirty and looks more like something assembled at a yard sale (why do they have the slowest elevators in the world?)
Lack of schedule coordination between modes of transit (routes 93, 97 last trips to NTC arrive 11:41, last R6 leaves 11:42--> what is that?)
Lack of schedule enforcement on bus routes (Route 15 operators always 5+ minutes ahead on E/B trips, leave 5min late on W/B trips)
Poor on-time performance on RRD, like evening R8 CHW which is chronically 5-10min late arriving at CHill.
These guys need to show that they are making a attempt to run on-time under normal circumstances. They need to do the basics like keep stations and vehicles clean. And I have to question what wires are falling down at Fern Rock. THey have been doing catenary work there for months now so who knows if its the new stuff or the old stuff that is failing. Based on what SEPTA buys and how poorly it functions would tell me their work is probablly at fault.
Finally, we need to have a GM and a board that is engaged with the public in projecting a plan that improves our system. When was the last time we heard from Faye? Also a restructuring of the priorities of their capital budget needs to be done. Smart Stations should not be at the top of the list.