PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — SEPTA’s board has approved deep service cuts and fare hikes in its next operating budget.
One state lawmaker saying the plan would send Philadelphia regional transit into “a death spiral.”
“These cuts are not a reflection of SEPTA’s values,” says Marian Moskowitz, SEPTA Vice Chair.
A devastating blow to public transit in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
“This is not a budget that we take any pride in,” say SEPTA General Manager, Scott Sauer.
Under the budget approved by SEPTA’s board, starting August 24, riders will see the elimination of 32 bus routes and significant reductions in rail service, including the end of special services like sports express.
On September 1, a 21.5% fare increase goes into effect. On January 1, the elimination of five regional rail lines, more bus routes and a 9 p.m. curfew. But with the phased changes, there’s still hope on funding from Harrisburg to close the $213 million dollar gap.
“We’re going to move ahead, we’re going to start the plan. If something develops, between now and august 24th. If funding comes late in the summer, it depends on how late and can we turn things around,” explains Sauer.
Local lawmakers were quick to respond.
Democratic State Representative Mary Jo Daley of Montgomery County saying “make no mistake, this development is unprecedented and will send Philadelphia regional transit as we know it into what engineers, city planners and economists have called a death spiral for the region.”
Many service cuts would begin January 1, 2026, but others are slated to go into effect as soon as August of this year.
While this timeline spells disaster for riders, it still gives the general assembly time to pass funding for public transit and prevent cuts and hikes from becoming reality.
“We are still continuing the fight. Please don’t think of this, and our board chairman said it best, ‘don’t consider it the end, this is the beginning to continue this fight,’” Sauer continued to say.
