SEPTA Proposes 45% Service Cuts, Fare Hikes

SEPTA has announced a budget proposal that includes a 45% reduction in service and a 21.5% fare increase due to a $213 million funding gap, which will take effect if Pennsylvania does not increase its funding. The service cuts, starting August 24, 2025, will include the elimination of 50 bus routes and 5 Regional Rail lines, with a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail services. SEPTA also plans a hiring freeze, reducing its workforce by about 100 employees per month. These measures are necessary to address its structural budget deficit, compounded by decreased ridership and the expiration of federal funding from the CARES Act. Governor Josh Shapiro's proposal for increased state funding could prevent these drastic cuts. SEPTA's budget proposal will be subject to public comment and a board vote in May and June 2025, respectively.