SEPTA Service Cuts Cause Philadelphia Student Commute Disruptions

Philadelphia has seen significant disruptions in student attendance and commuting due to SEPTA's extensive service cuts, which took effect just before the school year began. These cuts include the elimination of 32 bus routes, shortening of 16 routes, and reductions across 88 other lines, resulting in longer wait times, crowded buses and trains, and increased costs for riders who must seek alternative transportation. Attendance has notably dropped at some schools, such as Furness High School, where it fell to about 70%, and concerns have been raised about the impact on students' ability to arrive on time, with some parents even considering school transfers. Despite these challenges, the Philadelphia School District is not considering remote learning as a solution, citing the importance of in-person education. SEPTA's cuts, described as the most drastic by a major transit agency in the U.S., reflect broader financial struggles that transit systems in other major cities are also facing. The district has assured leniency for students who are late due to transit issues if they provide parental notes, but the situation is expected to worsen after Labor Day as more people return to work and school.