Philadelphia – The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has approved its Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget, which includes significant service reductions and fare increases aimed at closing a projected $213 million deficit. The plan, set to begin implementation in August 2025, will see the elimination of five Regional Rail lines and 50 bus routes, alongside a 21.5% fare hike and a 9 p.m. curfew for all remaining rail services by January 2026.
The affected Regional Rail lines slated for elimination are the Cynwyd, Chestnut Hill West, Paoli/Thorndale, Trenton, and Wilmington/Newark lines. Bus service will also be drastically curtailed, with 32 routes eliminated in August 2025 and an additional 18 in January 2026. These measures come as federal COVID-19 relief funds expire and state funding remains insufficient to meet the agency's operational needs.
Despite the impending changes, some commuters express a surprising lack of concern. Joe Colangelo, in a recent tweet, noted, > "I spent time last week talking to SEPTA commuters who are slated to lose their train lines. Nobody was concerned. They said they knew it would get sorted out." This sentiment contrasts with the widespread alarm voiced by transit advocates and local politicians.
The budget crisis has sparked a political battle in Harrisburg. Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed reallocating sales tax revenue to transit, which would generate an estimated $292.5 million for agencies like SEPTA. However, this proposal has faced resistance from the Republican-controlled State Senate, which has yet to support such funding efforts.
SEPTA officials have stated that the approved budget is a last resort, driven by the stalled funding negotiations. "The reality is that we would start the dismantlement of public transit for our city and region as we know it today," said SEPTA interim general manager Scott Sauer. The agency has already implemented internal cost-cutting measures, including a hiring freeze and administrative cuts, saving $30 million.
Public hearings have been held, with many stakeholders expressing concerns about the economic and social impact of the cuts, including longer commutes, increased road congestion, and reduced accessibility for vulnerable populations. Advocacy groups continue to press state lawmakers for a permanent funding solution, emphasizing SEPTA's role as a vital economic engine for the region.