Lawmaker Shapiro calls for immediate state action, with SEPTA deadline looming near
SEPTA Faces Significant Service Cuts and Fare Increase Due to Funding Crisis
Philly-area Republicans introduced a measure last month for additional state oversight for SEPTA, but the bill stopped short of providing any funding. This lack of funding has left SEPTA facing a $213 million shortfall, and the transit authority is now implementing service cuts and a fare increase to address the issue.
Starting August 24, SEPTA implemented a 20-21.5% service reduction across more than 100 lines. Alongside these cuts, a fare increase to $2.90 for bus, metro, and ParaTransit rides took effect on September 1. These changes make SEPTA's fares tied for the highest transit fare in the U.S.
SEPTA serviced an average of 708,000 customers daily in June, and the service cuts are expected to have a significant impact on these riders. Autumn Fingerhood, a single mother from Northeast Philly, is particularly concerned about the impact of the cuts on her 10th-grade daughter's ride to school, as the bus route she relies on is one of the dozens set to be cut unless funding comes through.
Fingerhood also raised concerns about the impact of the service cuts on her ability to work and transport her daughter. She criticized state Senator Joe Picozzi and other Republicans for not doing enough to secure funding for the SEPTA transit system.
The Sports Express special service on the Broad Street Line, which services the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, is set to be cut due to the service cuts. This is concerning for Fingerhood, who works at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex and is with the Unite Here Local 274 union, as it could impact upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup matches and the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro presented a state budget 187 days ago that fully funded mass transit, roads, and bridges. However, as of mid-August, SEPTA failed to secure the necessary new state funding by the August 14 deadline to avoid these significant service cuts.
Key political leaders—Sen. Joe Picozzi and Rep. Sean Dougherty—are playing central roles in legislative negotiations to secure funding for SEPTA. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives, led by figures like State Rep. Sean Dougherty, approved a funding bill (House Bill 1788) to increase sales tax revenue for transit and roads, aiming to prevent SEPTA cuts. In the State Senate, GOP-backed amendment to House Bill 257, presented by Sen. Joe Picozzi, advanced a plan to fund transportation including SEPTA for two years using the Public Transportation Trust Fund.
However, these efforts have faced opposition and the ultimate funding resolution remains uncertain as of early August. SEPTA leadership, such as General Manager Scott A. Sauer and Chief Planning and Strategy Officer Jody Holton, have publicly announced the adjusted schedules and urged for funding.
Despite last-minute legislative actions, the failure to finalize funding by August 14 caused SEPTA to proceed with cuts. SEPTA is deploying ambassadors at busy stations to assist riders with transitions to reduced service, highlighting the disruptive impact of these measures.
Shapiro stated that fully funding SEPTA is "common sense" and that it supports more than 26,000 jobs within the region and generates more than $4 billion for the state's economy. The first day of SEPTA service cuts is set for Aug. 24, just one day before thousands of Philadelphia public school students and teachers are set to return to school on Aug. 25.
- The proposed funding bill in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, aimed at preventing SEPTA cuts, targets increasing sales tax revenue for transit and roads.
- The policy-and-legislation surrounding SEPTA's funding crisis involves key political leaders, such as Sen. Joe Picozzi and Rep. Sean Dougherty, who are playing pivotal roles in legislative negotiations.
- The lack of policy and legislation providing funding for SEPTA has resulted in a fare increase, service cuts in the transportation industry, and attention from general news outlets, affecting thousands of commuters daily.
