The 26 bus, one of many affected, is at the Chelten Ave Train Station, housing the Chestnut Hill West Line, which is also affected. (Photo: Rasheed Z. Ajamu)
SEPTA is moving forward with its significant service cuts after the deadline to secure necessary funding from Pennsylvania leaders. This comes after grappling with a $213 million budget deficit for over a year.
Last Wednesday, the PA Democratic House rejected a budget amendment from the Republican-majority state senate for House Bill 257 that would have given about $1.2 billion for future capital projects from the Public Transportation Trust Fund, including funding for SEPTA for two more years.
State Rep. Andre D. Carroll said the rejection comes because the plan isn’t sustainable, as the funds presented were already dedicated to system and safety upgrades, and it is a short-term solution to a long-term problem.
“They wanted to pull a fast one by moving SEPTA’s capital investment dollars to their operating budget,” Rep. Carroll said.
“The House Democrats, including myself, have sent over five bills that would fund mass transit across this state, along with roads and bridges. I’m asking Senate Republicans to get back to work and help find a real solution that includes real funding.”
Capital funds are typically reserved for upgrades like new vehicles or safety projects, not daily operations.
State Rep. Darisha K. Parker said this leaves Philly residents, particularly those who rely on public transit to get to school and work, “in dire straits.”
And just a day before Philadelphia public school students return to school, on August 24, service cuts will commence. As it stands, 32 bus routes will be eliminated, 16 will be shortened, and other services will be reduced.
These service cuts are projected to bring an economic loss to Southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia included, bringing $19.9 billion of loss in household property value, 76,700 potential jobs lost, $6 billion in potential lost earnings, and 11.4 billion in tax revenue collections.
In Germantown, there are no bus service eliminations.
However, buses 18, 23, 26, 53, 65, 71 (H), 81 (XH), and K will experience reduced service. All citywide regional rail services, including the Chestnut Hill East and West lines, will also experience reduced service.
On September 1, riders can expect fare increases by 21.5% across all services, including weekly and monthly passes. The base fare will increase from $2.50 to $2.90, and the weekly Transpass from $25.50 to $31, a monthly TransPass from $96 to $116, and a ParaTransit Ride from $4.25 to $5.75.
In January, more cuts and reductions are planned. The Chestnut Hill West (CHW) Line, which many Northwest Philly residents have fought hard for for years, will be terminated then alongside five other regional rail lines, as well.
Between July 1, 2023 and June 31, 2024, the CHW Line saw an average of 3,142 weekday passengers and about 916,302 annual passengers.
All metro (bus, trolley, and subway) and regional rail services will also get a 9 p.m. curfew in January, which would disrupt thousands of nightshift workers relying on late-night transit.
Rep. Parker said we’re in a “very terminal time,” particularly Black and Brown communities, which she said these issues affect the most.
“But I do know that when you vote, your voice matters,” lending advice to constituents ahead of the election season. “And this is not the time to be silent.”
For more information on service reductions and cuts, and how they may impact your commute, visit the SEPTA website.