Philadelphia lawmakers and the 76ers are negotiating over details of the team’s commitment to fund SEPTA passes for ticket holders to get to the proposed Center City arena, a development that comes as transit has become a sticking point in the advancement of the arena proposal.

Councilmember Mark Squilla would like to see the Sixers go a step further and provide passes until 40% of people are taking SEPTA and PATCO to games and events.

The likelihood that the arena would add costs to SEPTA undermines the 76ers’ repeated contention that the project will cost local taxpayers nothing.

Both sticking points boil down to funding. And it’s unclear if the Sixers are willing to spend more to make the Center City arena a reality.

The $1.3 billion arena would be built near Chinatown. Advocates for that area testified Tuesday that the neighborhood can't survive if the arena is built.

Philadelphia City Council continued to hear testimony on the controversial downtown 76ers arena on Tuesday. On Tuesday, City Council members heard testimony from those who opposed to the arena, including development and business leaders in Chinatown. Union leaders expressed their support.

While this would only provide the transit agency minor relief, Councilmember Mark Squilla pushes for a bigger commitment.