The Transportation Performance Report (TPR) serves as a report card on the condition and performance of various aspects of Pennsylvania’s transportation system. It covers performance areas related to: safety, mobility, preservation, accountability, funding, freight, equity, and the environment.
The State Transportation Commission (STC) and the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) create the report.
The TPR is updated every two years. It is published before the public comment period for the 12-Year Program (TYP) update.
The public comment period for the update of the 12-Year Program (TYP) began on March 3, 2025, and concludes on April 30, 2025.
The Transportation Planning Process
Pennsylvania Transportation by the Numbers
$12.0 billion
Annual Budget
40,000
Miles of Roadway
25,400
State-Owned Bridges
52
Transit Systems
65
Operating Railroads
10.2 Million
Licensed Drivers & ID Holders
11.8 Million
Registered Vehicles
2,440 Miles of
BicyclePA Routes
11,706 Employees
7,095 Maintenance Employees
Three
Ports
120
Public Use Airports
100.2 Billion
Annual Vehicle Miles Traveled*
*Total miles on all PA roadways.
Navigating Our Performance and Trends
Performance measures are organized into eight categories: Safety, Mobility, Preservation, Accountability, Funding, Freight, Equity, and Environment. Click here to navigate to the performance measures to view details and explore the interactive charts. The key below explains the ratings icons.
Key
Color Indicates Performance
Green is good performance
Yellow is marginal performance
Red is poor performance
Corresponding dots make sure content is accessible to all people.
Text Indicates Trend: Improving, Steady, or Declining
Performance Measures
Safety
Reducing Fatalities and Injuries
PennDOT is committed to continuously improving highway safety. Highway deaths on Pennsylvania roadways reached a historic low in 2019 when 1,059 fatalities were recorded—the lowest number since recordkeeping began in 1928 (even with more vehicles and vehicle-miles of travel). However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, crashes have increased. PennDOT continues to focus on highway safety as its top priority in reducing the total number of crashes as well as the number of highway fatalities and serious injuries.
Work zone crashes are declining
Work zone crashes declined by 26% between 2019 (pre-pandemic; pre-Work Zone Speed Safety Cameras (WZSSC) program year) and 2022. In the 2023 construction season (April to October), the incidents of traffic speeding through WZSSC-enforced work zones declined by 19%, as reported in the program’s 2024 Annual Report.
Roadway fatalities continue to increase, post-pandemic
Pennsylvania had 1,209 roadway crash fatalities in 2023, the second-highest total in a decade. Annual crash fatality totals have been rising since 2019, when an all-time low of 1,059 fatalities was recorded.
Injury crashes are declining but more severe
There were 66,546 injury crashes on Pennsylvania’s roadways in 2023, down 13% from 2019. Of those crashes, 4,788 (7%) were classified as suspected serious injury crashes. As with roadway fatalities, the suspected serious injury crash total for 2023 was the second-highest in a decade.
Grants encourage a safer highway system
PennDOT, the state’s Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Rural Planning Organizations (MPOs and RPOs), counties, and municipalities have tapped new federal funding programs such as Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) to address safety on both state and local roadways, regardless of roadway ownership. Since the program’s inception, 34 Planning and Demonstration grants and six Implementation grants have been awarded to communities statewide, totaling over $108 million in SS4A discretionary grant dollars. Other discretionary grant awards contribute to safety enhancements as part of the funded major capital projects, or for safety initiatives such as the Wildlife Crossings Strategic Plan, aimed in part at reducing vehicle–animal collisions.
Additional policies adopted to prevent distracted driving
In June 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed “Paul Miller’s Law” (Senate Bill 37), which prohibits the use of handheld devices and text-based communications while driving to improve overall roadway safety. The new law also allows law enforcement officials to issue a ticket when a motorist is using a cellphone while driving.
Safety Measures
Roadway Fatalities 
- During the decade ending 2023, Pennsylvania averaged 1,172 roadway fatalities per year.
- Roadway fatalities have increased, post-COVID, to the 1,209 that were recorded during 2023.
- PennDOT has established a fatalities reduction target of 1,161 by 2025 to move the trend in the desired direction.
- PennDOT developed a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (2022) to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries.
- PennDOT’s Crash Facts and Statistics (2023) offers a statistical review of reportable crashes in Pennsylvania for the calendar year and is issued each year.
Impaired Driving Fatalities
Vulnerable Road User Fatalities
- A “vulnerable road user” (VRU) includes someone walking, biking, rolling, or using a mobility device, such as a wheelchair. Crashes involving VRUs are typically more severe than others.
- Crashes involving VRUs in Pennsylvania have been increasing, post-pandemic, to a 2023 total of 218.
- PennDOT produced a Safety Assessment Report in 2023 to evaluate safety performance along Pennsylvania roadways related to pedestrians and cyclists and to develop a plan for improving the safety of these users through both targeted and systemic improvements.
- PennDOT was awarded a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) grant for safety education focused on VRUs.
Work Zone Fatalities
- For the decade ending 2023, Pennsylvania averaged 18.8 work zone fatalities per year, with values per year ranging from 14 to 24.
- Work zone fatalities reached a decade-low of 14 in 2022 but increased to 22 in 2023.
- PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), are implementing a statewide Work Zone Speed Safety Cameras (WZSSC) Program (formerly known as the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program) to reduce work zone speeds, change driver behavior, and improve work zone safety for workers and motorists.
- The deployment of WZSSC in Pennsylvania since 2020 has served as a national model, demonstrating reduction of work zone crashes counter to national trends.
- Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement 2024 Annual Report
Motorcyclist Fatalities
- Motorcyclist fatality trends have been increasing post-COVID.
- Motorcycle crashes make up less than 3% of total crashes in Pennsylvania, but account for more than 17% of total fatalities.
- There were 238 motorcycle fatalities in Pennsylvania in 2023—a 20-year high.
- This comes even as the number of licensed motorcyclists has declined each year of the past decade.
- The Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) provides motorcycle safety training at more than 50 locations statewide.
- Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics
- PennDOT Crash Download Map
Fatalities in Lane Departure Crashes
- More than half of highway fatalities statewide involve a lane departure crash, making preventing lane departures one of PennDOT’s priority emphasis areas.
- Strategies PennDOT is pursuing to address these crash types include infrastructure improvements such as centerline/shoulder rumble strips, high-friction surface treatments, and cable median barriers.
Local Road Fatalities
- Pennsylvania has approximately 79,000 linear miles of locally owned roads, comprising nearly two-thirds of all roadway miles in the state. These roadways accommodate almost 42 million vehicle-miles of traffic each day.
- Since reaching a high of 233 in 2015, total crashes on local roadways declined to a 2023 total of 203.
- Local roadways accommodate 15% of all the state’s traffic but are the site of one-quarter of all reportable crashes.
- PennDOT provides technical assistance to local agencies to advance safety activities through legislation, guidance, tools, and training.
Wildlife Vehicle Collisions
- Crashes involving wildlife have risen steadily since 2012, increasing 40% over the decade ending 2023. Total wildlife crashes exceeded 5,000 for the first time in 2023. Pennsylvania usually ranks in the top five states in the U.S. for wildlife collisions.
- Since 2012, more than 150 people have been killed in crashes involving wildlife. Thousands of animals, including deer, bear, elk, game birds, and turtles, are killed on Pennsylvania's roads each year.
- In December 2023, PennDOT was selected to receive an $840,000 grant through the Federal Highway Administration's Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program. Grant funds will be used to develop a comprehensive statewide strategic plan to address wildlife crossings. As of this writing the grant agreement has been completed and the project is slated to start in 2025. There are many stakeholder organizations with an interest in this project and the associated safety benefits (i.e., deer collision reduction).
- Wildlife crossings connect fragmented habitat, allowing wildlife to move safely and decreasing the likelihood of collisions.
Mobility
Moving People and Goods
Mobility—the efficient and reliable movement of people and freight—is a cornerstone of an effective transportation system and a key focus area for PennDOT. Mobility supports the economy by connecting businesses to markets, workers to jobs, and consumers to essential goods and services.
Pennsylvania re-examines mobility planning post-pandemic
The Commonwealth continues to navigate the pandemic’s long-term impacts on transportation. The Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) in February 2023 released a report that identified public transit demand factors and provided recommendations for post-pandemic mobility planning. Demand for other types of transportation has also shifted in many ways, due to trends including e-commerce and home delivery that emerged or grew in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PennDOT makes strategic additions to roadway capacity
PennDOT continues making strategic additions to highway capacity statewide, such as the US 219 corridor connecting Somerset and Johnstown to I-68 in Maryland, the State College Area Connector Project in Centre County, and the Central Susquehanna Valley Throughway (CSVT) Project, which will improve mobility in those regions.
Pennsylvania secures its largest federal transportation grant
In July 2024, the Commonwealth was awarded a $500 million federal Bridge Investment Program (BIP) grant for the replacement, widening, and modernization of the I-83 South Bridge in Harrisburg. The grant award is the largest in the state’s history for a single transportation project. Upgrades to this major bridge structure will improve mobility for the 125,000 vehicles crossing the Susquehanna River each day and will improve efficiency for freight traffic connecting to other major markets for commerce within Pennsylvania and along the East Coast. An award of this magnitude indirectly benefits the entire state, stretching other transportation improvement funds to allow more projects to be advanced.
Passenger rail improvements lead to increased reliability
In 2024, Amtrak replaced more than 40 miles of track between Lancaster and Harrisburg, providing for improved service reliability and passenger mobility along a critical link in the railroad’s Keystone Service. In addition to passenger service, this upgraded and modernized section of track will also benefit shippers using Norfolk Southern freight rail services. Improvements to the Keystone Corridor will help to sustain its strong passenger growth performance trend.
Planning for expanded passenger rail service
Pennsylvania is seriously evaluating potential additions to the state’s intercity passenger rail network, which offers a mobility alternative to private automobiles. Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) studies will see the development of service development plans for corridors linking Scranton to New York City and Reading to Philadelphia. A second daily train on Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian service between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg is expected to be added in 2026. TAC has performed two intercity rail studies over the years, helping to advise on corridor priorities for future investment and keeping this important mode in the forefront for the public and stakeholders.
Mobility Measures
Connected and Automated Vehicles 
- Pennsylvania has emerged as a leading destination for on-road testing of connected and automated vehicles (C/AVs). The Commonwealth has now created a path to commercial operation of AVs under Act 130 of 2022. As of October 2024, there are six commercial AV certificate holders in Pennsylvania. PennDOT has issued updated Certificate of Compliance guidelines to enhance the safety and oversight of Highly Automated Vehicles in Pennsylvania.
- PennDOT conducted a project to test AVs in live work zones with Penn State and Carnegie Mellon universities. The project aims to improve AV safety and performance by equipping them with connected vehicle technology (C-V2X) that allows them to communicate with work zone objects, using a wide variety of detectable traffic control devices to make it easier for AVs to correctly navigate work zones, and using high-definition maps that provide precise information about the work zone layout. This comprehensive approach and overall project success paves the way for safer and smoother AV integration in work zones that can be replicated nationwide.
- PennDOT is a member of the Smart Belt Coalition, which fosters collaboration in research and testing, policy and standards development, deployments, and outreach and funding pursuits in connected vehicle technology, automated vehicle technology, vehicle electrification, and other innovations.
- PennDOT has partnered with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) of Southwestern PA to establish the Pennsylvania Safety, Transportation, and Research Track (PennSTART).
- PennDOT is represented on the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Automated Vehicle subcommittee. The subcommittee gathers, organizes, and shares information related to the development, design, testing, use, and regulation of automated vehicles and other emerging vehicle technology.
- PennDOT has been awarded a $1.78 million SMART grant to build a Connected Vehicle Data Exchange and to pilot Curve Speed Warning messages.
- For more information, view the Statewide Connected and Automated Vehicle Strategic Plan. An update to the Strategic Plan entitled the Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Business Plan is scheduled for release in early 2025.
Congestion
- Congestion levels have fluctuated since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the state experiencing more recurring congestion as traffic volumes continue to increase.
- The winter of 2023-2024 was unusually mild, resulting in a significant drop in weather-related congestion. Other congestion causes remain relatively stable.
Highway Capacity
- Pennsylvania has 42,825 miles of state-owned roadway; this network comprises 35% of all roadway mileage statewide.
- Total daily travel demand on state-owned roadways in 2023 equated to 231.4 million miles, or over 84% of the total. Overall, travel demand has been increasing over the past decade at an average annual rate of 1.2%.
Traveler Information
- The 511PA service was transitioned to a new vendor, Arcadis, at the end of May 2024. This required existing subscribers to transition their account to a new My511 account, offering additional functionality beyond email alerts.
- PennDOT has also transitioned to a new mobile app that requires all users to download the new software. With the new vendor, PennDOT will have the ability to track the number of active mobile app users, which will be a better metric for future reporting.
- *2023 data missing because of inaccessible data from ILog.
Traffic Signals
- There are approximately 14,000 traffic signals in Pennsylvania. PennDOT issues permits for traffic signals and designs intersection signal configurations and timing, but local municipalities are responsible for their maintenance.
- PennDOT’s Green Light–Go Program entered its 10th year of offering grant awards in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25. The program’s purpose is to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals.
- Enabled by Act 89 of 2013, the program provides up to $40 million in state funding annually for traffic signal improvements. Projects have three years to reach completion.
- Excluding the COVID year of FY 2020-21, the program has averaged 105 applications per year since its inception. The requested amount for Green Light–Go grants continues to exceed the available program funding.
Traffic Incident Management
- There were 17,269 traffic incidents on Pennsylvania’s core roadway network in 2023, with an average clearance time of 136 minutes. The number of incidents and average clearance times have increased each year.
- PennDOT is continuing its efforts to improve coordination with Traffic Incident Management (TIM) partners and first responders.
- A key development in recent years has been PennDOT's participation in the MView system, a Web-based platform developed by the State of Maryland that has dramatically improved PennDOT’s ability to share views of its traffic cameras with first responders and other traffic management stakeholders.
- As of January 2025, access had been provided to nearly 1,200 users across more than 60 partner organizations.
Airport Enplanements
Public Transportation Ridership
- The state’s public transit agencies are continuing to experience increases in ridership since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Through the third quarter of FY 2023-24, 190.7 million trips were provided, a 17% increase over the same period in FY 2022-23. Fixed-route ridership is at approximately 60% of pre-pandemic levels.
- Shared-ride ridership continues its rebound and is at approximately 70% of pre-pandemic levels.
Amtrak Ridership
- During FY 2023-24, Amtrak served more than 1.2 million passengers on the Keystone Corridor—the highest number recorded in five years.
- Nearly three-quarters of the state’s total passengers boarded at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, the third-busiest Amtrak station in the U.S.
- PennDOT provides financial support for train operations and station and infrastructure improvements along the Philadelphia–Harrisburg–Pittsburgh segment.
- An agreement was executed in August 2023 to provide more than $200 million in rail infrastructure and safety improvements to support Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian service increase to two trains in each direction daily between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. The additional service is expected to start in 2026.
- Amtrak maintains the Great American Stations website, which includes detailed profiles of every Amtrak station. Amtrak serves 24 stations in Pennsylvania, many of which have been renovated as part of PennDOT’s “Advancing PA Rail” initiative.
- In 2024, PennDOT rebranded its “Plan the Keystone” initiative and website under a new name — "Advancing PA Rail.” The new website is intended to inform the public on passenger rail projects, statewide rail planning, and available passenger rail opportunities.
Winter Weather Traveler Info
Weather Resiliency
- PennDOT understands the importance of planning for the unexpected and continues to evaluate strategies and actions to improve systemwide resiliency.
- Analyses from PennDOT’s 2017 Extreme Weather Vulnerability Study are updated periodically to support investment prioritization and decisions.
- The continuing integration of resiliency at PennDOT includes shifts in business processes and technology systems.
Safety Service Patrol
- As traffic has returned to pre-pandemic levels, the number of motorist assists has returned to levels similar to those seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. PennDOT is currently assessing the program to provide more effective and timely assistance. In 2024, the program expanded to include the York area. PennDOT is evaluating expansion into other areas, including Lancaster and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
EV Infrastructure and Alternative Fuels
- PennDOT is collaborating with federal, state, and local partners to expand the Commonwealth’s EV charging and alternative fuels network.
- The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) provides a total of $7.5 billion nationwide to help make EV charging more accessible to all Americans for local and long-distance trips. The $7.5 billion comprises the $5 billion NEVI Formula Program and the $2.5 billion Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program.
- Over the five years of the NEVI Formula Program (federal fiscal years 2022-2026), Pennsylvania will receive $171.5 million in dedicated formula funding.
- Pennsylvania was among the first states to open a NEVI-funded charging station. PennDOT remains a national leader in the NEVI program, having completed three funding rounds. To date, PennDOT has awarded about $59 million in NEVI funds to 91 active projects. As of December 2024, five of the active projects were operational, and an additional 18 projects were in varying stages of construction. All other projects had executed contracts and were in the station design and local permitting phase of development.
- PennDOT has announced the framework for Round 2, or Community Charging for NEVI, in the most recent State Plan Update.
- In 2016, PennDOT executed a 20-year P3 agreement to have 24 new compressed natural gas (CNG) stations developed to provide CNG to 1,600 public transit vehicles statewide. The 21st such fueling station opened in July 2024 at the Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) in Wilkes-Barre.
- In 2024 Pennsylvania surpassed 1% of vehicle registrations being battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. PennDOT developed an online map where these registrations can be viewed by county or zip code.
- In collaboration with the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), PennDOT has made efforts to support electric vehicle adoption through the Drive Electric PA Coalition.
- Both the City of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have been awarded Charging and Fueling Infrastructure grant funds to further build EV charging infrastructure.
Preservation
Maintaining Transportation Assets
PennDOT has an extensive—and aging—multimodal transportation system to operate and maintain, with finite funding to carry out repairs. PennDOT uses advanced asset management analysis to prioritize timely maintenance and preservation activities aimed at keeping the system in a state of good repair. Doing so helps delay or avoid the need for more costly rehabilitation and replacement projects, extending the service life of assets such as roads and bridges while minimizing costs.
PennDOT prioritizes Interstate conditions
There are 1,870 linear miles of Interstate in Pennsylvania. These highways comprise less than 2% of the statewide roadway network yet accommodate nearly a quarter of all travel. Maintaining these strategic roadways at the targeted operating condition, as required by the Federal Highway Administration, is vital to Pennsylvania’s economy and the nation as a whole.
PennDOT improves asset management decision-making
PennDOT is continuously developing and refining models that provide engineers and planners with better information for decision-making regarding the right time and treatment for maintaining transportation assets in the most cost-effective way possible. This includes PennDOT’s Pavement Asset Management System (PAMS) and Bridge Asset Management System (BAMS).
Construction work begins on Major Bridge P3
The Major Bridge P3 Project saw final designs for all six bridges completed as of September 2024. As “design-build” projects, construction could proceed even as portions of the design continue to be finalized.
Preservation Measures
State Bridges
- Pennsylvania has approximately 25,400 state-owned bridges, representing nearly 117.5 million square feet of deck area. If placed end to end, they would stretch nearly 457 miles—a distance longer than from Philadelphia to Erie.
- The average age of a Pennsylvania bridge is 57 years. Most older bridges have a design life of 50 years, underscoring the importance of ongoing maintenance, rehabilitation and replacement to ensure safety and functionality.
- PennDOT has been emphasizing bridge preservation to keep good-condition bridges in a state of good repair.
- PennDOT’s intensive work on bridge rehabilitation and replacement has been steadily improving conditions. The share of state-owned bridge deck area in Poor condition in 2024 (6.03%) is half of what it was in 2013.
- PennDOT has allocated $48 billion to highways and bridges as part of its 12-Year Program for the years 2025–36.
Local Bridges
- There are 6,685 locally owned bridges in Pennsylvania greater than 20 feet in length, representing just over 15 million square feet of deck area.
- In 2021, the TAC completed a policy study of small, local bridge (between 8-20 feet in length) asset management in Pennsylvania.
- The study yielded four major findings with associated actions to improve the condition of the state’s small local bridge stock, including: a standardized approach based on the NBIS for inventorying and assessing the condition of these structures; increased technical assistance and training to enhance local proficiency in asset management; financial incentives for participation in a statewide asset management approach for small, local bridges; and identification of subject matter experts to champion a standardized approach for managing small, local bridges.
Weight-Restricted Bridges
Pavement Conditions
- Pavement miles in Excellent or Good condition continue to comprise more than half of all pavements in Pennsylvania. However, the share of total pavement miles in Fair or Poor condition has continued to increase.
- The trend of worsening pavement conditions is expected to continue through 2028, based on projections of pavement deterioration and funding.
Project Letting
- PennDOT's goal for on-time project delivery is 90%.
- Trends for both metrics (on time and within budget) have remained consistent over the past decade.
- Trends for on-time and within-budget project delivery have remained consistent over the past decade.
- PennDOT let $2.73 billion in projects during 2024.
Accountability
Managing Resources and Business Processes
Accountability ensures the responsible use of public funds and promotes transparency. By holding employees and leadership accountable, PennDOT as an organization can better maintain safety, efficiency, and reliability in its infrastructure and transportation services.
PennDOT rapidly addresses I-95 bridge collapse
The Shapiro Administration expedited emergency construction when a high-volume bridge on I-95 in Philadelphia collapsed in June 2023 due to a tanker fire under the structure. The bridge is vital to East Coast passenger and freight traffic as well as Philadelphia-area mobility. PennDOT managed the around-the-clock work to re-open I-95 within just 12 days, using innovative approaches to construct a temporary bridge. Worksite cameras livestreamed construction progress. The effort showcased government accountability and collaborative problem-solving.
Mentor–Protégé Program improves business management and contract bidding skills
The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) launched its Mentor–Protégé Program (MPP) in May 2024, a year-long program that helps small businesses (SBs), small diverse businesses (SDBs), and veteran business enterprises (VBEs) compete for more contracting opportunities with the Commonwealth.
Human Capital Strategic Plan to be implemented
PennDOT’s Highway Administration is undertaking a major Human Capital Development Strategic Plan addressing all key facets of highway and bridge design, construction, and maintenance workforce needs presently and for the future. The comprehensive strategy, developed in partnership with the state’s private-sector transportation industry, addresses recruiting, retention, technical skills development, and professional skills development. The plan was completed in 2024, and a supporting detailed action plan is being developed for implementation in 2025. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has identified workforce development as a key priority for state DOTs.
PennDOT Connects fosters improved collaboration
This landmark policy enters its ninth year of addressing planning concerns at earlier stages of project development and enhancing intergovernmental collaboration. Communities statewide continue to make use of free technical assistance available to improve transportation in wide-ranging ways, from GIS to bike–ped safety audits to coordinated transportation and land use planning.
Accountability Measures
Project Delivery
- Trends for on-time and within-budget project delivery have held consistent over the past decade.
- PennDOT’s Digital Delivery Program is modernizing project delivery processes and contract document media to incorporate digital data. By 2025, construction projects will be able to be bid using 3-D technology rather than 2-D construction plans. This will help PennDOT to incorporate streamlined processes to manage asset information during project development and through project completion and maintenance.
Transit Performance
- Public transit ridership continues to increase following the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in increased fare revenue levels.
- While revenues have increased, so have costs. The cost of providing public transportation is higher than it was prior to the pandemic, mostly due to inflation and increased labor costs.
- The Cost Recovery Ratio is the percentage of total operating expenses that are made up by transit agency revenue. The figure is calculated by dividing revenue by total operating expenses. Cost recovery is a key metric used to judge the financial health of transit systems, and varies heavily based on geography, fare structure, and ridership patterns.
Find My Ride
- Find My Ride (FMR) Apply has seen a steady increase in usage overall since May 2021. This is due to a post-pandemic gradual rebound in overall transit ridership as well as increased promotion by some agencies using the application.
- The potential exists for FMR usage to continue to expand—not all transit agencies currently promote the availability of the service to their prospective riders. Additionally, SEPTA plans to begin working with legislators' offices in their service area to use FMR when helping constituents apply for transportation programs.
- PennDOT is actively working to implement the Find My Ride Schedule with the shared-ride providers in Berks, Blair, Carbon, Chester, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Northampton counties. FMR Schedule will allow shared-ride passengers in these counties to book on-demand trips (or “non-subscription/recurring trips”).
Driver and Vehicle Services
- Public feedback from interaction with PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) personnel remains highly favorable. DVS works to ensure each interaction with the department is positive and exceeds customer expectations.
- As of September 2024, 71% of Driver License Center customers were served within PennDOT’s goal of 30 minutes or less. Nearly 99 % of Photo License Center customers were served within 30 minutes or less.
- In 2020, DVS implemented the “Drive to 4.5” initiative to increase customer service satisfaction rates for face-to-face (“counter”) services provided at Driver License Centers and the Harrisburg Riverfront Office Center. Customer satisfaction scores are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating. At the program’s launch, PennDOT’s customer service satisfaction score measured 4.3. The initiative aimed to increase customer service satisfaction scores to 4.5 by October 2024. As of September 2024, DVS had achieved or exceeded that goal and was continuing to monitor satisfaction rates, which were at their highest level since 2016.
- The DVS overall “mail score” tied its record high in 2023.
- DVS has saved more than $30.8 million since 2017 by eliminating PA vehicle registration stickers.
PennDOT Connects
- Eleven PennDOT Connects Municipal Outreach Sessions were held in Spring 2024, drawing 470 participants from around the state. Local government leaders learned about PennDOT Connects resources for municipalities and the PennDOT District staff that help support municipal projects, transportation planning, and land use development.
- Recordings of the sessions are available on the PennDOT Connects webpage.
Funding
Investing for the Future
Federal funding for transportation increased sharply in 2021 with the passage of the five-year Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Further, Pennsylvania was awarded 15 federal discretionary grants during 2024, totaling $438 million. At the state level, the Commonwealth committed an additional $80.5 million for highways and bridges and $80.5 million for public transportation (SEPTA’s share of this total was $53 million). While Pennsylvania has received increased transportation funding from state and federal sources, revenue to fund improvements to the locally owned transportation system is more limited. In many cases, municipalities struggle to assemble matching funds that are a prerequisite for state or federal grants for transportation improvements.
Federal law creates record program levels
The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided more funding for Pennsylvania transportation than ever before. The State Transportation Commission in August 2024 adopted a 12-Year Program valued at $88.2 billion, the largest in the state’s history.
Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) funding continues to be reduced in the Motor License Fund and covered from the General Fund
This 2024 action by the General Assembly was a long-awaited landmark decision that frees up $141 million per year in state transportation funding. That amount can now be used as state matching funds to secure additional grant funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Historic grant funding levels augment Pennsylvania’s transportation program
PennDOT won a $500 million Large Bridge Project grant through FHWA’s Bridge Investment Program. It is the largest federal transportation grant ever received in Pennsylvania. The funding will help replace the John Harris Memorial (South) Bridge, which carries I-83 over the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg.
Municipalities struggle to participate in competitive grant programs
The Pennsylvania Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) in December 2023 released a study report documenting the challenges that Pennsylvania’s municipalities have in competing for state and federal grant funding. Challenges include a lack of required local matching funds and insufficient staff availability and expertise to pursue and administer grants.
Funding Measures
State Transportation Budget
12-Year Program
- PennDOT is currently administering its 2025 12-Year Program (TYP) valued at $88.2 billion, the largest in the state’s history.
- Roughly one third, or $29.7 billion, is allocated to projects in the first four-year period of the TYP, fiscal years 2025 through 2028.
- Transportation projects listed in the TYP use a combination of federal, state, and local funding. The available amounts over the 12 years are based on financial projections based on legislation, actual and anticipated budgets, and historical trends.
- Work on developing the 2027 TYP will begin in Spring 2025.
- Visit the TalkPA Transportation website to learn about transportation programming, including the TYP.
State Motor License Fund
- MLF revenues are not able to keep pace with transportation funding needs. The accompanying graph shows the downward trend of MLF revenue. What is not reflected are the decreases in purchasing power over time. In 2021, the Transportation Revenue Options Commission (TROC) estimated a $7.6 billion loss in buying power between that year and 2030 due to inflation.
- Source: Governor's Executive Budget
Multimodal Fund
- PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF), established through Act 89 of 2013, provides funding for community projects to improve transportation in all modes. Revenues and expenditure limits by mode are generally established by law and remain stable.
- These funds help local communities advance important projects, such as local roadways, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements, and local bridges, which can be difficult for municipalities to fund through other means.
- Since the program’s inception in 2014, PennDOT has awarded grants to 473 projects. In FY 2024-25, $50.3 million was awarded to 65 projects around the state, allowing local governments and contractors to advance key projects in their communities.
Public Transportation Operating Assistance
Interstate Reconstruction Funding
- For the decade ending in 2024, spending on Interstate reconstruction has averaged just over $100 million per year. There will be major increases in coming years, due to work on the John Harris Memorial (South) Bridge in Harrisburg, and projects advanced by other federal discretionary grants. The $500 million federal grant for the South Bridge Replacement provided much needed relief for Pennsylvania’s Interstate Program, enabling more funding to be used on Interstate projects elsewhere in the state.
Rail Freight Infrastructure Funding
- PennDOT’s Rail Freight Assistance Program supports rail investment across the state to advance capital construction and maintenance of freight or intermodal rail infrastructure. Public and private at-grade crossing improvements and eliminations are also eligible for funding. Pennsylvania has a vast rail freight system with one of the nation’s largest investment programs.
- Program funding provides up to 70% of project costs through a combination of revenue sources, including Act 89 Multimodal Rail Freight Funds, the Act 13 Unconventional Gas Well Fee, and the Capital Budget.
- There has been an increase in applications to PennDOT's Rail Freight Assistance Program seeking state matching funds to support rail projects that have received federal grants from the Federal Railroad Administration. Federal BIL funding has helped many railroads advance projects that would otherwise not have been able to move forward.
Transit Capital Funding
Public-Private Partnerships (P3)
- PennDOT’s P3 office continues to administer three active P3 projects: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fueling Stations for Public Transit Agencies, the Major Bridge P3, and the Rapid Bridge Replacement project.
- The Major Bridge P3 Project entered into the Final Design phase in March 2023. All design work is anticipated to be completed, and full construction started on the six bridges by July 2024.
- As of June 2024, 22 CNG stations had been constructed. Of those stations, five (New Castle, Erie, Indiana, Johnstown, and York) accommodate public fueling. It is estimated that over the life of the P3 contract, the $84.5 million project will pay for itself through economy-of-scale efficiencies in station construction and through fuel cost savings to the transit agencies. When compared to the price of diesel fuel, Pennsylvania transit agencies had saved approximately $13.6 million as of June 2024 at the stations that were already open.
Freight
Improving the safe and efficient movement of goods
Freight transportation in Pennsylvania is reliant on the Commonwealth’s nearly 122,000 miles of roadways (including 1,870 linear miles of Interstate), 65 operating railroads (more than any other state), and three ports, each of a distinct type (Great Lakes, inland waterway, and deep water). Pennsylvania is truly the Keystone State for freight movement. As the fifth-most-populous state in the nation, it is a major market and freight generator in its own right. PennDOT is engaged in numerous initiatives to support and improve freight mobility in Pennsylvania. These are designed to address the top industry, transportation, and land use trends that influence the freight system and its users.
PennDOT is leading initiatives to expand truck parking
Although providing truck parking is not a PennDOT responsibility, from a safety and mobility standpoint the Department is concerned with the urgent need for additional truck parking capacity throughout Pennsylvania, especially along major freight corridors. The TAC in December 2023 released a study that identified near-term solutions to increase truck parking capacity in Pennsylvania. The study led to the creation of a truck parking task force and other initiatives to address this long-standing issue.
PhilaPort continues its long-term growth trend
Philadelphia’s water port continues to increase its throughput of container traffic. The 2023 volume of container cargo handled at PhilaPort was up 80% over 2016 levels. Developments such as the deepening of the Delaware River’s main channel from 40 feet to 45 feet, the modernization of the Panama Canal, and state investments in new infrastructure such as cranes and warehouses have contributed to the port’s growth.
PennDOT to update its Freight Movement Plan
Throughout FY 2025-26 PennDOT will be working to update Pennsylvania’s Freight Movement Plan. The update will make the state eligible for $59.2 million in federal funding (in FFY 2025) for freight infrastructure.
Freight Measures
Rate of Truck Crashes
Core Highway Freight Network
- The passage of the FAST Act in 2015 led to the creation of a National Multimodal Freight Network (NMFN). Roadways in the network are eligible to receive a share of the $59.2 million in federal funding that Pennsylvania is eligible to receive annually for freight transportation.
- Current legislation will allow Pennsylvania to expand this priority freight network to include 150 miles of Critical Urban Freight Corridors and 300 miles of Critical Rural Freight Corridors. PennDOT staff are currently working on this initiative and expect to have a set of proposed changes to the CUFC and CRFC networks completed in 2025.
- Through ongoing enhancements to a Data Repository, PennDOT will be establishing a framework for prioritizing highway infrastructure and facilities as part of a state Core Highway Freight Network that will reflect the Commonwealth’s needs for safe and efficient freight infrastructure.
[NEW] Freight Tools Added to Enterprise GIS
- PennDOT has been monitoring initiatives by the USDOT to enhance and improve available national freight data and forecasting tools that are used to support its freight planning processes.
- In particular, the USDOT/BTS Freight Analysis Framework (FAF) tool used to estimate and forecast national freight flows is being upgraded to provide information at the county level (currently it is only reported by the state and metropolitan regions). This will allow PennDOT to use county-level commodity flow and freight mode data in its planning efforts, which had previously been available only through proprietary sources at a substantial cost. This will support planning efforts by PennDOT and the state’s MPOs and RPOs.
- PennDOT maintains a database of truck parking facilities across Pennsylvania. The information in this data resource is shared with FHWA as part of its ongoing Jason’s Law Survey Update initiative, and to support other data needs at the state and regional levels.
- Parking capacity and peak overnight utilization for each of the facilities were updated as part of the 2023 TAC truck parking study and continue to be updated as new parking facilities are developed.
Number of At-Grade Crossings
- PennDOT's Section 130 Program provides funds to eliminate hazards at railway–highway at-grade crossings. BIL increases the amount of state incentive payment for at-grade crossing closures from $7,500 to $100,000. (This means that if a municipality has $100,000 to remove an at-grade crossing, PennDOT can match with $100,000.)
- The variation in at-grade crossing counts is attributed to railroad companies updating and maintaining their FRA grade-crossing inventory data.
Truck Travel Time Reliability
- The Truck Travel Time Reliability (TTTR) Index is a federal measure used to assess truck movement reliability (minimal traffic delays) on the Interstate system. More information on this measure can be found in the FHWA Transportation Performance Management Fact Sheet.
- In 2023, statewide truck travel time reliability recorded an index value of 1.30, which compares favorably to the statewide target of 1.40 by 2025.
- Truck travel reliability trends have essentially returned to pre-COVID-19 levels as traffic volumes have rebounded to pre-COVID levels and work zone delays have increased due to additional roadway construction funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
- Freight reliability is impacted by freight bottlenecks as well as road work. Freight is disproportionally affected when road work is done at night since speeds are reduced but congestion is lower than if the same work was done during the day.
[NEW] Water Ports Freight Volume
- The Commonwealth’s investment in PhilaPort contributed to an increase in freight volumes. These investments included the deepening of the Delaware River channel, five new post-Panamax cranes to accept larger vessels, and off-dock warehouses to increase throughput, velocity, and capacity.
- In 2023, global freight volumes adjusted due to several factors including post COVID-19 conditions, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Aden, and draught restrictions at the Panama Canal.
- At the Port of Pittsburgh, the tonnage of coal and aggregate experienced a significant decrease over the past few years. Repairs and removals of locks and dams has decreased throughput on the state’s rivers.
- Tonnage through the Port of Erie increased in 2023 from 759,540 tons to 953,786 tons, due primarily to product associated with the final stages of the I-90 corridor project. The Port of Erie continues to explore terminal expansion opportunities, which will support increased volumes.
- PhilaPort completed its Strategic Plan Destination 2040, laying out major direction for growing the Port of Philadelphia, an economic engine for Pennsylvania and beyond. Approximately 12,000 jobs are supported through PhilaPort—the most productive container port in the nation. The Strategic Plan, adopted in October 2024, moves toward a major expansion of container growth at the port.
[NEW] Long-Haul Truck Mode Share
- Truck tonnage relative to other major surface transportation modes for domestic long-haul freight (rail and water) is used as a surrogate measure for environmental impacts and sustainability related to freight transport.
- Rail and water are more energy-efficient transport modes for freight than trucks; ideally, truck mode share for freight moved over longer distances should reflect a reduction in energy consumption per ton of freight.
- Preliminary 2023 commodity flow data from the USDOT/BTS FAF database indicates that 75.4% of the freight transported to Pennsylvania from other states (measured in tons) was carried by trucks, compared to 72.7% in the 2017 base year.
- Similarly, the FAF data indicates that 88.8% of the freight tonnage from Pennsylvania to other states was moved by truck—a sizable increase from the 79.1% reported in 2017.
- Trucks moved 94.7% of the freight within Pennsylvania in 2023—a very slight increase from the 94.5% reported for 2017.
- Rail and water mode shares for domestic freight transportation to, from, and within Pennsylvania have generally decreased in recent years due to the decline in the production and use of coal, which has historically been a major commodity for rail and barge transport.
Equity
Ensuring fair access and distribution of resources and benefits
Pennsylvania is increasingly becoming more diverse. Data from the U.S. Census show that the state’s racial and ethnic representation identifies as 74.5% White, 10.4% Black, 8.1% Hispanic, and 3.6% Asian. PennDOT’s inclusive approach to transportation planning and project delivery is aimed at making transportation work for everyone, while fairly distributing the benefits and burdens of transportation infrastructure.
“Aging Our Way, PA” Report
Governor Shapiro initiated this 10-year roadmap to building more inclusive, supportive communities for older Pennsylvanians. The plan was released in May 2024. The Governor requested $11.7 million in his proposed FY 2024-25 budget to begin implementing the plan and bolstering existing programs.
The Council on Inclusive Excellence (CIE)
PennDOT has developed this group to integrate best practices for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into agency policies and programs. The CIE makes advisory recommendations involving all aspects of PennDOT’s operations to the Secretary of Transportation for consideration.
Disparity Study
PennDOT conducted a Disparity Study in 2024 to evaluate the effectiveness of its federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program implementation, determine whether discrimination or its effects exist in contracting, and determine whether the agency’s current policies and initiatives adequately address these issues.
Issues Final Rule Establishing Accessibility Standards for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way
PennDOT has been updating its design manuals to comply with this final rule, issued December 2024.
Equity Measures
DBE Program
- In 2023, PennDOT awarded roughly $290 million (11.9% of its contract awards) to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs)—an increase of 33% over 2022 DBE awards.
- What is a DBE? DBEs are for-profit small business concerns where socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51% interest and also control management and daily business operations.
- PennDOT created the Mentor–Protégé Program (MPP) to boost diversity and participation in the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. MPP focuses on reaching out to new and underutilized companies, especially Black American-owned businesses, to encourage their pursuit of consulting and construction contracts. The MPP offers virtual training, one-on-one mentoring, networking, and project-based partnerships on specific PennDOT design and construction projects.
- There are currently more than 20 MPP consultant/design projects underway with 17 of those consultant teams using Black American-owned firms.
- The first-ever MPP Conference for Contractor Firms was held in PennDOT District 6-0 in June 2023 and drew more than 50 attendees. The MPP Supportive Services Center also held more than 50 sessions in 2023 to provide updates and answer questions for new and underutilized DBEs.
- PennDOT’s Mentor–Protégé Program 2023 Annual Report is available online.
Accessible Transit
- The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) All Stations Accessibility Program provides funding for capital projects to make public areas of stations accessible to people with disabilities. On May 28, 2024, FTA announced an $8 million grant to Pittsburgh Regional Transit to upgrade stations along its Red Line.
- The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is undergoing a project to modernize its trolley system. Trolley Modernization will include new, accessible vehicles that will hold more passengers and new on-street stations that are fully accessible. Completion of the Trolley Modernization project, along with accessibility projects at stations along the Broad Street Line and Market–Frankford Line, will result in 99% of SEPTA Metro trips being made through an accessible station by 2035.
- The Building Better Bus Stops Resource Guide (2020) supports the design and construction of accessible transit stops with guidance for all transit operators and local governments. Developed in coordination with the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association.
Environment
Mitigating and minimizing transportation’s impact on the environment
PennDOT is introducing new environmental performance measures in the State Transportation Commission’s biennial report, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions, climate resiliency, and air quality. The transportation system significantly impacts these areas and is also affected by them. By monitoring and improving these metrics, PennDOT aims to enhance infrastructure resilience, reduce transportation emissions, and support a healthier environment for Pennsylvanians.
Air quality is improving
Exceedances of the EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) have significantly decreased over the past 20 years. This improvement is supported by stricter vehicle emissions standards and the implementation of various multimodal transportation strategies.
Greenhouse gas emissions are relatively stable
While transportation greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have not seen significant reductions, improvements in fuel economy have helped offset the increases in vehicle-miles traveled. Future reductions in gasoline consumption will be crucial for achieving further transportation-related GHG benefits.
Flooding and other extreme weather impacts continue to fluctuate
PennDOT has experienced significant disruptions and damage to the transportation system due to flooding and other extreme weather events. These events are unpredictable and vary by region and year. Over the past decade, the frequency and severity of such impacts have increased, posing ongoing challenges and pointing to the need for enhanced infrastructure resilience.
Environment Measures
Air Quality
- The Air Quality Index (AQI) was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The AQI relays information about outdoor air quality and potential health impacts. The AQI combines monitor readings for five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. There are 44 air quality monitoring stations in Pennsylvania.
- A higher AQI value indicates a greater level of air pollution and a higher potential for health impacts. This measure tracks monitor readings with daily AQI values that exceed 100, which the EPA considers to be unhealthy for the general public.
- This measure indicates a reduction in the number of unhealthy monitor readings since 2010. The increase in 2023 was primarily due to massive wildfires in eastern Canada. Hot summers and increasing traffic volumes can also negatively affect air quality.
- In accordance with EPA regulations, PennDOT and its supporting metropolitan and rural planning organizations (MPOs/RPOs) evaluate the air quality impacts of their transportation programs in non-attainment and maintenance areas.
Greenhouse Gases
- Monitoring GHG emissions is crucial for understanding and mitigating climate change impacts. It helps identify major emission sources, track progress toward reduction goals, and inform policy decisions.
- Over the past decade, GHG emissions have generally decreased due to improvements in vehicle fuel economy. However, these gains have been partially offset by increases in VMT. During 2020-2021, GHG emissions dropped worldwide due to COVID-19 restrictions on travel and factory shutdowns. As travel has rebounded, emissions in Pennsylvania have risen but still remain below pre-COVID levels.
- The increase in electric vehicle (EV) sales has contributed to the recent reductions in transportation GHG emissions. EVs produce fewer emissions over their life cycle compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
- Achieving future reductions in GHG emissions will require a combination of increased adoption of alternative fuel vehicles, further improvements in the fuel economy of gasoline engines, and other carbon reduction strategies.
- PennDOT has developed a Carbon Reduction Strategy to prioritize initiatives that have the most significant impact on reducing GHG emissions. This strategy includes promoting alternative fuel vehicles, enhancing fuel efficiency, and implementing other sustainable practices.
Climate Resiliency
- Climate change and extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and storms, are increasingly affecting transportation infrastructure. This includes flooding and landslides, which can cause significant damage and lead to road closures.
- PennDOT tracks flooding and other weather closures through its Road Condition Reporting System (RCRS). This measure provides the number of state roadway closures due to flooding. Other closure events related to slides, rock falls, and winter weather events are also monitored.
- Identifying trends in flooding events is challenging because these events vary greatly by storm and do not occur consistently. However, there has been an observable increase in damage and closures over the past 6-7 years compared to previous periods.
- PennDOT has proactively conducted resiliency studies, including the Extreme Weather Vulnerability Study. These studies help identify vulnerabilities and inform strategies to enhance the resilience of transportation infrastructure. PennDOT is also integrating resiliency considerations into its bridge and roadway Design Manual.
- PennDOT manages Pennsylvania’s Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) funding program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The program provides funding to improve the resilience of transportation infrastructure against natural hazards.
- PennDOT is developing a Resilience Improvement Plan (RIP) to establish processes and roles for supporting agencies, such as metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), in identifying and selecting projects that enhance infrastructure resilience.