SEPTA plans drastic service cuts amid funding crisis
- SEPTA is set to eliminate and shorten multiple bus routes starting August 24, impacting over 100 lines in Philadelphia.
- The agency needs state funding by August 14 to avoid these cuts due to a significant budget deficit.
- If cuts proceed, the fare will increase and further reductions of service are expected in January.
In Pennsylvania, SEPTA is preparing to implement significant service cuts affecting transit routes in Philadelphia. On August 24, the agency will eliminate 32 bus routes, shorten 16 routes, and reduce service levels across various lines if state funding is not secured. This decision comes after years of funding struggles that have intensified as the state budget remains unresolved, directly impacting residents' ability to commute to school and work. The state legislature is currently debating potential new revenue streams, but progress is slow, with the Senate majority leader indicating that much work remains to reach an agreement on transit funding. Given the looming cuts, SEPTA's leadership has requested state funding by August 14, emphasizing the need to update schedules and systems accordingly. The proposed reductions would also increase fares by 21.5%, further burdening riders relying on public transport. If no resolution is found, additional cuts are anticipated in January, marking a drastic dismantling of transit services in the region.