Overview

• SEPTA will begin restoring bus, trolley and rail service on Sept. 14 after PennDOT approved using up to $394 million in capital funds for operations.
• A 21.5% fare increase, raising the base fare from $2.50 to $2.90, takes effect when full service returns on Sunday.
• PennDOT stipulated that the approval is a one‑time, short‑term measure, requiring SEPTA to report progress every 120 days and leaving a long‑term revenue plan unresolved.
• SEPTA faces a roughly $213 million operating deficit, and leaders warn diverting capital dollars risks delaying maintenance, vehicle replacements and other projects.
• A Philadelphia judge ordered SEPTA to reverse about 20% service cuts found to disproportionately burden low‑income riders, and PennDOT also approved a similar waiver for Pittsburgh’s transit agency.