SEPTA Proposes $400M From State Fund to Delay Service Cuts

The plan would stave off service cuts for two years, but even if approved, the agency plans to go ahead with fare hikes on September 14.

1 minute read

September 9, 2025, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Crowded SEPTA subway station with people wearing masks waiting for train.

A SEPTA station in Philadelphia. | Ainsley Joseph-James / Shutterstock

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has released a new proposal that would shift almost $400 million from a special transit fund usually reserved for capital investments to operations.

The agency is scrambling to comply with a court order that bars the agency from implementing service cuts and fare hikes, explains Mike D’Onofrio in Axios. “The order stems from a lawsuit brought by riders who argue SEPTA's cuts disproportionately affect people of color and lower-income riders.”

The proposal to redirect funds must be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The $400 million would support the agency’s operations for two years. However, the agency plans to increase fares by 21.5 percent systemwide on September 14, regardless of the decision.

Saturday, September 6, 2025 in Axios

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