SEPTA, is urging state lawmakers to secure new funding. If a deal is not reached by Thursday, Aug. 14, the authority said it will be forced to implement the cuts on Sunday, Aug. 24, a move that would eliminate 32 bus routes and reduce Regional Rail service.
SEPTA said a deadline is needed to prepare for the schedule changes, which include finalizing work schedules for thousands of employees and preparing equipment.
The authority needs time to update its app, digital signs, and other information systems to reflect the new schedules. The preparation process, which normally takes a minimum of three weeks, is being compressed into less than 10 days, officials said.
“Our planning and operations staff have worked hard to compress the timeline for pre-schedule change work, but we cannot push it beyond Aug. 14,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “If funding is not secured by then, these painful service cuts will go into effect on Aug. 24.”
The cuts are the first step in a series of changes to address a $213 million budget deficit.
The Pennsylvania House has passed a budget bill that includes transportation funding, but it has been held up at the Republican-led Pennsylvania Senate. Area state senators Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat, and Frank Farry, a Republican, have been supportive of funding for SEPTA.
The initial service cuts would eliminate 32 bus routes, reduce trips on rail lines, and end all special service, including the Sports Express.
SEPTA said additional measures would follow, including a 21.5% fare increase on Sept. 1 and a complete hiring freeze later that month.
On the Lansdale/Doylestown Line, weekday midday service will be reduced from hourly to operating every two hours on the Lansdale/Doylestown Line. Some peak and evening service will be eliminated. Weekend service will be reduced from hourly to every two hours.
On the Warminster Line, midday service will be reduced from hourly to operating every two hours on the Warminster Line. Some peak and evening service will be eliminated. Weekend service will be reduced from hourly to every two hours.
On the Trenton Line starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, midday service will be reduced from hourly to operating every two hours on the Trenton Line. Some peak and evening service will be eliminated. Weekend service will be reduced from hourly to every two hours.
On The West Trenton Line starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, Midday service will be reduced from hourly to operating every two hours on the Trenton Line. Some peak and evening service will be eliminated. Weekend service will be reduced from hourly to every two hours.
The following bus routes will be eliminated on Aug. 24 and Aug. 25: 1, 8, 12, 19, 30, 31, 35, 47M, 50, 62, 73, 78, 80, 88, 89, 91, 106, 120, 126, 133, 150, 201, 204. These routes will be ended on Sept. 27: 206, 311, 452, 461, 462, 476, 478, 484, BLVD DIR, MANN LOOP
A second wave of cuts on Jan. 1, 2026, will eliminate five Regional Rail lines, including the Trenton Line; introduce a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail services; and eliminate 18 more bus routes, which would result in a 45% overall service reduction.
“At that point, we will be left with no other choice but to begin dismantling the SEPTA system,” Sauer said. “Tens of thousands of people or more will be left with no viable public transportation options.”
SEPTA has created two sets of schedules for all services, one reflecting current levels and another with the cuts.
- Bus and Metro: septa.org/news/bus-metro-fall-schedules/
- Regional Rail: septa.org/news/regional-rail-fall-schedules/
Signs have also been placed at the 3,000 bus stops that would be eliminated.
“We remain optimistic that a funding agreement can be reached by August 14,” Sauer said. “We will continue working with lawmakers in any way we can to help get this over the finish line.”
SEPTA officials note it is already one of the most efficient transit agencies in the country, and that additional measures such as a hiring freeze and administrative cuts has reduced the size of this deficit from $240 million to $213 million.
Schedules reflecting the potential service cuts are available on SEPTA’s website.
The authority is also encouraging customers to use its online Trip Planner to find alternate routes.
Advertisement
Meet Your Canna Coach: Personalized Guidance, Free for You!
Leave a Comment