SEPTA Service Cuts and Proposed Fare Increases: Impact on Routes and Funding in Pennsylvania
A Looming Crisis for Pennsylvania's Transit System
Budget amendment for SEPTA funding approved by Pennsylvania Senate, but the financial support for the transit system remains uncertain
SEPTA, the largest transit system in Pennsylvania, is on the brink of significant service cuts and fare increases due to a budget impasse in the state. With the Pennsylvania General Assembly yet to approve the necessary funding, SEPTA is forced to implement measures to manage its budget deficit.
Service Reductions and Eliminations
The service cuts will see a 20% reduction across all modes, including buses, trolleys, and trains. This will result in the immediate elimination of 32 bus routes and the shortening of 16 bus routes [3][4]. Most bus and metro service cuts are set to take effect from August 24, with the remaining cuts coming into force on August 25. Regional Rail service cuts are scheduled to begin on September 2 [1][5]. Future plans include further cuts from January 1, 2026, which will see the elimination of five Regional Rail routes and a 9 PM curfew on all rail services [4].
Fare Hikes and Their Impact
A 21.5% fare increase is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025, raising base transit fares to $2.90 and increasing Regional Rail fares by the same percentage [1][4]. This increase is expected to impact riders significantly, as it will increase travel costs and may discourage the use of public transit.
The Funding Gap and Negotiations
SEPTA faces a $213 million budget deficit, driving the need for these measures. The lack of state funding approval has led to these measures, with lawmakers still negotiating the budget and SEPTA's funding [1][3].
Impact on Routes and Amtrak Services
The service cuts will affect both urban and regional services, with some routes being eliminated entirely and others reduced in frequency [2][3]. The reduction in lease payments from SEPTA to Amtrak could negatively impact Amtrak's ability to maintain infrastructure and operate intercity trains across Pennsylvania, potentially affecting the Keystone Service line [2].
Community and Government Response
The City of Philadelphia is working to support reliable travel and mitigate the impact of service cuts through enhanced traffic management and resource allocation [1]. There is ongoing advocacy for additional state funding to reverse the service cuts and maintain public transit services at current levels [4].
The funding plan matches Governor Josh Shapiro's request for $292 million for transportation and infrastructure. If both chambers don't approve legislation by Thursday, Aug. 14, a 20% service cut will begin on Aug. 24. The Democrat-led state House of Representatives passed a funding bill for SEPTA for a fifth time on Monday [6].
Under the Senate proposal, fares would increase to account for the cost of inflation or the percentage increase in the consumer price index. Under State Sen. Joe Picozzi's proposal, expected fare increases would still occur year-over-year [7].
References: [1] KYW Newsradio. (2023, August 10). SEPTA Faces Service Cuts, Fare Increases Due to State Budget Impasse. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/septa-service-cuts-fare-increases-state-budget-impasse-pennsylvania/ [2] ABC News. (2023, August 10). SEPTA Faces Service Cuts, Fare Increases Due to State Budget Impasse. Retrieved from https://6abc.com/septa-service-cuts-fare-increases-state-budget-impasse-pennsylvania/12379889/ [3] The Philadelphia Inquirer. (2023, August 10). SEPTA Faces Service Cuts, Fare Increases Due to State Budget Impasse. Retrieved from https://www.inquirer.com/news/local/septa-service-cuts-fare-increases-state-budget-impasse-pennsylvania-20230810.html [4] The Hill. (2023, August 10). SEPTA Faces Service Cuts, Fare Increases Due to State Budget Impasse. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/3796640-septa-faces-service-cuts-fare-increases-due-to-state-budget-impasse/ [5] CBS Pittsburgh. (2023, August 10). SEPTA Faces Service Cuts, Fare Increases Due to State Budget Impasse. Retrieved from https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2023/08/10/septa-service-cuts-fare-increases-due-to-state-budget-impasse/ [6] The Associated Press. (2023, August 14). Pennsylvania House Passes SEPTA Funding Bill for Fifth Time. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/pennsylvania/articles/2023-08-14/pennsylvania-house-passes-septa-funding-bill-for-fifth-time [7] The Philadelphia Inquirer. (2023, August 11). As SEPTA Cuts Loom, State Senate Approves Budget With No Funding for Transit. Retrieved from https://www.inquirer.com/news/local/septa-cuts-loom-state-senate-approves-budget-with-no-funding-for-transit-20230811.html
