By Max Bennett, Patch Staff
PHILADELPHIA — SEPTA’s board Thursday voted on the proposed budget that features drastic cuts to services and also a fare increase.
The board voted to adopt its new budget, meaning major service reductions will go into effect Aug. 24. This also means fares will increase 21.5 percent on Sept. 1, and a total hiring freeze will go into effect that same day.
“This is a vote none of us wanted to take,” SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth Lawrence Jr. said “We have
worked hard as an Authority to prevent this day from coming because we understand the impact it will have on our customers and the communities we serve. To be clear, this does not have to happen – if state lawmakers can reach an agreement to deliver sufficient, new funding for public transit.”
Service cuts include the elimination of dozens of bus routes, significant reductions in trips on all rail services, a 9 p.m. curfew for all rail services that would begin in early 2026, and the elimination of five Regional Rail lines — Cynwyd Line, Chestnut Hill West Line, Paoli/Thorndale Line, Trenton Line, Wilmington/Newark Line.
The impact of the proposed service cuts will be felt throughout the city and region, as reliable options for everyday travel to school and work are greatly diminished.
Beyond regular riders, people traveling to games at the Sports Complex and other special events would have to navigate the 9 p.m. curfew for rail services, along with other restrictions. SEPTA said it would also be forced to cease providing additional service to special events, including plans to support the World Cup, the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, and other 2026 events.
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