The Philadelphia transit agency is eliminating 32 bus lines and slashing service on dozens of others after the state legislature failed to come to an agreement over funding.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is starting the process of severely reducing service levels after the Pennsylvania state legislature failed to provide added funding to the agency, which faces a $213 million budget shortfall. Joe Brandt et al report on the issue for CBS News.
According to a SEPTA spokesperson, “With no new funding secured, SEPTA must proceed with work to implement service cuts of 20% starting on Aug. 24. If a funding solution is reached, SEPTA will work as quickly as possible to reverse course and minimize disruptions for our customers.”
The state legislature does not appear poised to come to a decision about additional funding in time to stave off the first round of cuts. “These cuts would happen in two phases, with the first happening Aug. 24 and the second in January 2026.”
Planned cuts include: eliminating 32 bus routes; shortening 16 bus routes; reducing service on 88 bus and rail lines; eliminating service on all special services to sports games and other events. SEPTA also plans to raise fares to $2.90 per trip, the highest in the country, tied with New York City.
The cuts could lead to a “death spiral” that sees ridership drop as service degrades, reducing revenue and prompting further reductions in service.
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