Lawsuit Challenges SEPTA Service Cuts Impacting Low-Income, Minority Riders

Philadelphia's transit agency SEPTA has implemented significant service cuts and fare increases to address a $213 million budget deficit, eliminating 32 bus routes and reducing frequency on others, disproportionately impacting Black, Latino, and low-income riders who rely heavily on bus service. A lawsuit filed by attorney George Bochetto on behalf of consumer advocate Lance Haver and affected residents accuses SEPTA of fabricating the financial crisis to pressure state lawmakers for more funding, violating civil rights by prioritizing cuts on bus routes over Regional Rail lines used mainly by wealthier, predominantly white suburban riders. Bochetto argues that SEPTA's actions lack transparency and accountability, and that the agency is using riders as pawns in political theater despite having a $400 million stabilization fund. SEPTA maintains that it conducted an equity analysis which showed that routes serving higher-income, non-minority populations are more burdened by cuts, and states that the measures are necessary to balance the budget. Riders report significant difficulties adjusting to the new schedules, with longer wait times and more transfers, affecting their ability to attend work, school, and medical appointments. The lawsuit seeks a court order to reinstate the cut services, highlighting the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities and questioning the legality of the funding crisis and SEPTA's enabling statute.