SEPTA Prepares for Major Service Cuts Amid Budget Deficit

SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, is facing a significant financial shortfall of $213 million. In response, the agency has announced major service reductions and fare increases. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

SEPTA’s Service Reductions and Fare Increases

To address the projected deficit, SEPTA plans to eliminate five Regional Rail lines and 50 bus routes. The service will end at 9 p.m. each day, and 66 stations will be closed. The budget proposal calls for a 45% reduction in service and a 21.5% increase in fares.

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Interim General Manager Scott Sauer emphasized that these decisions were necessary due to the available resources. He stated, “We have no choice but to budget based on available resources,” during a press conference on April 10. These cuts will dismantle public transit as the region currently knows it.

SEPTA Faces Financial Challenges Amid Declining Ridership

SEPTA’s financial struggles stem from the decrease in ridership after the pandemic and the expiration of federal funding that had previously supported the agency. Furthermore, proposed increases in state funding have stalled in the state Senate, adding pressure to the agency’s budget.

Governor Josh Shapiro expressed frustration over the situation, calling the cuts “devastating but avoidable.” He urged the Senate to pass the necessary funding measures to support public transit. Last year, the governor’s move to transfer $153 million in federal highway funds helped prevent earlier service cuts.

Impact of SEPTA’s Service Cuts on Riders

Starting in August 2025, SEPTA will reduce service on nearly all bus and rail routes. The elimination of 32 bus routes and the shortening of 16 others will affect many commuters.

By January 2026, SEPTA will halt several Regional Rail lines, including Chesnut Hill, Cynwyd, and Paoli/Thorndale, among others. Rail service will stop at 9 p.m. nightly, and some trolley lines will be replaced by buses.

As part of the budget plan, SEPTA will increase fares in September 2025. The base fare will rise to $2.90 per ride, making it one of the highest in the country, alongside New York.

SEPTA has already implemented cost-saving measures, such as a hiring freeze and administrative cuts, which reduced the deficit from $240 million to $213 million.

However, the agency has stated that no further cuts can be made, leaving service reductions as the only viable solution.

Source: www.trains.com

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