Commuters in Philadelphia advised to account for extended travel periods due to upcoming SEPTA service reductions next week

SEPTA Announces Significant Service Cuts Starting September 1

Starting next month, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will implement substantial service cuts, affecting over 52,000 students in the Philadelphia school district who rely on SEPTA for their daily commute. The changes come as a result of a 21.5% increase in the base fare to $2.90, effective from September 1.

The negotiations for resolving SEPTA's funding issues are being led by Pennsylvania state government officials and SEPTA representatives. Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed a plan for a dedicated, recurring source of revenue for SEPTA. However, these proposals are yet to be approved, leaving SEPTA with no choice but to make these cuts.

The first phase of cuts will eliminate 32 bus routes and shorten 16 bus routes. Some of the affected bus routes include the 1, 8, 12, 19, 30, 31, 35, 47M, 50, 62, 73, 78, 80, 88, 89, 91, 106, 120, 126, 133, 150, 201, 204 (Sept. 27, 2025), 206, 311, 452, 461, 462, 476, 478, 484, BLVD DIR, MANN LOOP, and MANN LOOP DIR.

In addition to bus service cuts, there will be a reduction in service to the 88 bus and Metro and Regional Rail lines. All special service, including the Sports Express, will be discontinued. By January 1, 2026, more service cuts will include a 9 p.m. curfew on all train service and the elimination of five Regional Rail routes and the Broad-Ridge Spur.

The city of Philadelphia is urging residents to plan their commutes in advance and use other forms of public transit, such as Philly PHLASH, PATCO, and NJ Transit. Motorists are encouraged not to drive in Center City during rush hour, as proposed service cuts could result in approximately 275,000 additional vehicles on local roadways.

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is predicting these service cuts, and the Traffic Operations Center will be staffed from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during peak commute hours to help manage traffic flow.

Protests regarding these cuts have been taking place in Northeast Philadelphia, with residents expressing their concerns about state Sen. Joe Picozzi's handling of budget negotiations. Representatives across state lines and in the surrounding counties have been pleading with Pennsylvania lawmakers to approve transit funding.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has faith that Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Harrisburg will "find common ground" and approve transit funding in the state budget. Until then, SEPTA users are advised to stay informed and plan their commutes accordingly.

Commuters in Philadelphia advised to account for extended travel periods due to upcoming SEPTA service reductions next week