Major SEPTA cuts are proposed in the budget, including a 9 p.m. curfew on rail service, the elimination of 5 regional rail lines, and more.
By Max Bennett, Patch Staff
PHILADELPHIA — Major SEPTA cuts are planned, including the reduction of bus service and the elimination of five Regional Rail lines, as well as a 9 p.m. curfew on rail service as the regional transit authority faces a $213 million budget gap, officials said this week.
SEPTA officials said the deficit will require 45 percent in service cuts, as well as a fare increase averaging 21.5 percent for all riders.
Some of the key the changes SEPTA says will be necessary to address the budget shortfall are:
- The elimination of dozens of bus routes and significant reductions in trips on all rail services, beginning with the launch of fall schedules on Aug. 24. Fifty bus routes would be shut down between Aug. 24 and Jan. 1, 2026
- A fare hike, effective Sept. 1
- A 9 p.m. curfew for all rail services. This curfew would begin Jan. 1, 2026
- The elimination of five Regional Rail lines — Cynwyd Line, Chestnut Hill West Line, Paoli/ThorndaleLine, Trenton Line, Wilmington/Newark Line
The full details of the proposed cuts can be found here.
The release of the budget comes amid critical negotiations in Harrisburg on a statewide transit funding plan introduced in February by Gov. Josh Shapiro that would prevent these dire measures from taking effect.
The impact of the proposed service cuts would be felt throughout the city and region, as reliable options for everyday travel to school and work are greatly diminished, SEPTA officials said.
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.
The effects on businesses, including the region’s healthcare systems that rely on SEPTA to transport employees and patients, would be immediate and far-reaching, SEPTA said Thursday. Authorities also said roadway congestion will get worse, as people who typically use SEPTA would switch to driving.
Local business leaders expressed concern over the plans.
“These plans would lead to massive drops in ridership and the dismantlement of our transit system after generations of investment,” the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia said in a statement. “The result? Workers, students, residents and visitors would lose a critical transportation option. Employers would experience increased hiring challenges. And worst of all, talent and businesses could leave the region altogether.”
The chamber is urging state lawmakers to enact a dedicated funding solution that will avert the planned fare increases and service cuts.
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