10/04/2025
That’s wild
Today released a budget proposal that includes 45% in service cuts, fare increases, workforce reductions, and a 9PM curfew for all rail services to address structural budget deficit for the new fiscal year that starts July 1, 2025.
The release of the budget comes amid critical negotiations in Harrisburg on a statewide transit funding plan introduced in February by Governor Shapiro that would prevent these dire measures from taking effect.
Customers would see service cuts—including the elimination of dozens of bus routes and reductions in trips on all rail services—beginning with the launch of fall schedules on August 24, 2025. A fare increase averaging 21.5% for all riders would go into effect on September 1, 2025 followed on January 1, 2026 by the elimination of five Regional Rail lines and the 9PM rail curfew. A total of 50 bus routes would be shut down between August 24 and January 1.
The impact of the proposed service cuts would be felt throughout the city and region as reliable options for everyday travel to school and work are greatly diminished. And those traveling to games at the Sports Complex and other special events would have to navigate the 9PM curfew for rail services.
Like transit agencies across PA and the nation SEPTA is facing this budget gap due to a combination of the end of federal COVID relief funding and increases in the day-to-day costs of providing service to customers.
SEPTA has been responding to this funding crisis by cutting costs and generating new revenue. This includes a freeze on management pay and cuts to third-party consultants have resulted in savings of $30 million. Other measures including a 7.5% fare increase and the resumption of paid parking at Regional Rail lots are generating new revenue. Together these efforts have helped reduce SEPTA’s budget deficit to a forecasted $213 million for FY2026.
SEPTA will hold four public hearings about the Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget at SEPTA Headquarters on May 19 (11AM and 5PM) and May 20 (10AM and 4PM).
For more information on the FY 2026 budget proposal please visit https://septa.org/fundingcrisis/.
