It’s official: SEPTA’s looming commuter collapse is now reality. After years of Band-Aid fixes to SEPTA’s funding troubles and empty promises from Harrisburg, the transit agency implemented its first wave of service reductions on Aug. 24.
Pennsylvania remains without a state budget, disrupting services across the state and meaning more transit cuts could be on the way. But Southeast Pennsylvanians can still advocate for their needs before these changes are set in stone. Here’s what to expect and what you can do about it.
What’s Changed
On Aug. 24, SEPTA implemented its new schedule based on the financial reality that the agency did not receive state funds to help close its operating deficit, which exceeds $200 million. These first wave of cuts to the bus and metro lines include the elimination of 32 bus routes and reduced service across the system. This has already resulted in skipped stops, no-show buses, and longer wait times.
What’s Next
Base fares for bus and metro lines are expected to increase to $2.90 on Sept. 1, while increased fares on the Regional Rail vary across zones.
Speaking of Regional Rail, modifications to its schedule go into effect on Sept. 2. However the suburban riders have already been met with significant delays and cancellations across lines due to equipment issues. With vehicles being pulled out of service for safety checks, service on the Regional Rail is affected from all sides.
On Jan. 1, 2026, SEPTA will undergo a second wave of cuts. More bus routes, including school shuttle buses, will be discontinued. Trolley routes 10 [T1] and 15 [G] will convert to buses. Service will be eliminated on the following lines: Chestnut Hill West, Cynwyd, Paoli/Thorndale, Trenton, and Wilmington/Newark.
There will also be no service on the Broad Street Line [B], Market-Frankford Line [L], Regional Rail, and trolleys after 9 p.m.
How To Get Around
Use SEPTA’s Trip Planner tool to map out your commute.
If you’re skipping the bus, you can park at these lots near SEPTA’s rail lines and complete your ride by train.
If you want to go old school and catch a cab, you can call a taxi at 215-666-6666 or 215-333-3333. You can also request a taxi through Curb, which partners with taxi companies in the city.
You can ride a bike to travel through the city. If you don’t have your own, use an Indego bike with the code “indecycle25” for a $1-per-month discount through September. If you’re new to biking around the city, here’s how to do it safely.
Riders with disabilities can utilize SEPTA’s ADA Paratransit Access and seniors can use SEPTA’s Shared Ride Program.
How To Push Back
While it’s understandable to feel hopeless amid these changes impacting day-to-day life in the city, it isn’t over yet. At some point Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will have to sign a budget that could include some or all of the money that SEPTA needs.
So if you’re frustrated about these service cuts, you can still take a stand.
- Contact your state legislators. Whether it’s an email, phone call, or handwritten letter, reach out to your elected officials to express your support for SEPTA and how cuts impact you. Find your representative here.
- Attend a Transit Tuesday event. Transit Forward Philly, a coalition of local organizations, is applying pressure in person. The group is rallying outside the offices of elected officials every Tuesday until Pennsylvania restores SEPTA funding.
- Canvas. Transit Forward Philly will talk with Amtrak riders on Sept. 3 about how SEPTA cuts will impact riders beyond Philly. On Sept. 4, join a Transit Tailgate at the Eagles home opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
- Participate in a phone bank. Join Transit for All PA in a virtual phone bank on Sept. 8, or organize your own.
