Which source contributes the least to SEPTA's funding?

Donations from private citizens represent a smaller and less consistent source of funding for SEPTA compared to the other options listed. This is primarily because public transportation agencies like SEPTA typically rely on larger, more stable sources of revenue to support their operations and capital projects. Local government support, state grants, and federal grants provide significant and ongoing funding that is essential for maintaining and improving transit services. These funds are often structured through budgets and forecasts that account for the wide-ranging needs of the transportation system. In contrast, donations from private citizens tend to be sporadic and can vary greatly from year to year, making them a much less reliable funding source. This distinction is key when considering the overall financial structure of funding for public transportation systems like SEPTA.