SEPTA’s latest budget plan may shut down the Wilmington/Newark line as it struggles to cover a record $213 million deficit starting July 1. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

SEPTA’s latest budget plan may shut down the Wilmington/Newark line as it struggles to cover a record $213 million deficit starting July 1.
PHOTO BY ANDREW ADAMS ON UNSPLASH

The proposal includes a 45% service reduction, fare increases, and staff downsizing. Major lines, including the Wilmington/Newark line, face full elimination, alongside cuts to the Broad-Ridge Spur and four other Regional Rail lines.

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Governor Josh Shapiro criticized the proposal, calling the cuts preventable. He urged the Senate to approve his mass transit funding plan, which passed the House three times and awaits final action.

Wilmington/Newark line faces total elimination

Without action from the legislature, the transit agency will remove essential services that thousands rely on for work, school, and daily life.

Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr., SEPTA Board Chair, warned of economic damage. He said the system would shift from being an economic driver to a regional obstacle, increasing congestion and hurting property values.

To delay service disruptions, SEPTA implemented cost-saving strategies. These include freezing executive salaries, canceling third-party contracts, and reinstating Regional Rail parking fees.

Impact of Wilmington/Newark line closure on commuters

SEPTA’s Interim GM Scott A. Sauer emphasized the agency’s efforts to avoid these drastic measures. He noted improvements in cost control, safety, and ridership despite mounting fiscal pressure.

The system previously avoided collapse when Governor Shapiro redirected federal highway funds last fall. However, officials confirmed this option is no longer available for the coming year.

Alongside the Operating Budget, SEPTA’s Capital Budget reveals delays in accessibility upgrades and infrastructure improvements due to inflation and limited funding.

Public hearings will take place at SEPTA Headquarters on May 19–21. The final vote on both budgets is scheduled for June 26.

Source: delawarelive.com

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