Overview

• SEPTA's proposed budget outlines a phased reduction in services, including the elimination of dozens of bus routes, reduced rail operations, and the end of post-9 p.m. transit by January 2026.
• A 21.5% fare increase, raising the base fare to $2.90, is set to take effect in September 2025, making it one of the highest transit fares in the U.S.
• The agency plans to implement a hiring freeze in September and anticipates potential layoffs in early 2026 to manage its structural deficit.
• The financial crisis stems from the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds, deferred maintenance, inflation, and insufficient state funding, with no resolution in sight from stalled legislative negotiations.
• Public transit advocates warn the cuts could severely impact commuters, regional events, and the economy, while state leaders debate how to fund SEPTA without burdening taxpayers.