Roadways and remaining transit services were noticeably busier Monday morning.
We're now in phase 1 of cuts, which includes a 20% reduction of services across the board.
The cuts affect changes to bus schedules, trolleys and subway lines and the elimination of express services to the sports complex in South Philadelphia.
RELATED: Commuter Crisis: First round of SEPTA cuts in effect | What you need to know
SEPTA ambassadors like Marquise Williams have been helping riders navigate their new maze of connections.
"People were a little bit knowledgeable about what's going on. Still, you have people out here with a lot of questions-specific questions about how to get to their destination," Williams said.
Impact to riders
At least three bus routes are now eliminated at the Fern Rock Transportation Center. Other buses are expected to be more crowded.
"I just missed the 14, heading up to Neshaminy Mall," said Tara Cameron of Mayfair.
James Lee of Olney said his usual 45-minute trip took two and a half hours Monday.
"Took me two and a half hours to take my grandson home from Broad and Olney to Church Street," he said.
Others, like Al Bethel, said the cuts had minimal impact-but he's retired.
"I'm lucky. I am getting around. If I don't get around with SEPTA, I'll walk. I'll walk a lot," Bethel said.
SEPTA riders navigate commute after drastic transit cuts
Mecca Abdul, of Northern Liberties, works at the mall. She says the cuts have added two buses, $7 and an hour to her daily commute.
Money and time she said she doesn't have.
"We got jobs to get to. Kids are going to start being penalized for school. You're going to be creating a lot of problems for people. A lot," Abdul said.
RELATED: SEPTA service cuts could add 275,000 vehicles to local roads, experts warn
Action News has already seen SEPTA using longer, accordion-style buses on some routes so that more people can get on. But with fewer public transportation options, AAA warns that traffic congestion will worsen as more people turn to driving.
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission says that if all planned SEPTA cuts go into effect, it could result in an additional 275,000 cars on the roads.
"We like to say that's the equivalent of the entire population of Pittsburgh, including the kids, coming here and driving cars," said Ariella Maron, executive director of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.
That increase would lead to slower travel times across the region. If the full cuts take effect on Jan. 1, the commission estimates:
- Travel on I-95 from Delaware County to Philadelphia would take 10% longer.
- Delays on I-95 and I-295 in Bucks County would increase by 30%
- Delays on Route 202 in Chester County would rise by 40%
For the latest traffic in your area, click here.
WATCH: How SEPTA cuts could increase traffic on the road
How SEPTA cuts could increase traffic on the road
Returning to school
Students packed the SEPTA bus stop outside Central High School in Logan on Monday afternoon, waiting for their ride home after the first day of school. With reduced transit service now in effect, they expect to spend a lot more time waiting.
WATCH: First day of school gets underway amid SEPTA cuts
First day of school gets underway amid SEPTA cuts
"It's going to take way more time, maybe closer to an hour. I'll be even later to school most of the time," said Erin Ockimey, an 11th grader at Central.
MORE | Philadelphia kids start school amid SEPTA crisis
"I'm going to be on the bus for about an hour and 30 minutes. That's going to be hard to do, especially when it comes to me trying to make sure I get to school on time," added 10th grader Osiris Adjepong.
As a citywide, criteria-based high school, Central draws students from across Philadelphia, many of whom rely on public transportation. Both students and parents are still trying to figure out the best way to navigate the new commute.
While the district has not released final attendance numbers for the first day, Superintendent Tony Watlington said some schools saw a noticeable drop.
"Principal Poe told me that typically today he would expect 90-plus percent of his children to be in attendance, and because of some of the transportation impacts, those numbers have dropped down to the 70s," Watlington said, referring to Furness High School in South Philadelphia.
City leaders urge lawmakers to fund transit
Philadelphia City Council members held a press conference on Monday, urging lawmakers to make a deal to fund the transit agency.
"I'm begging Senate to get back to work and do your job," said Councilmember Mike Driscoll (6th District), Chair of Council's Transportation Committee.
SEE ALSO | Philadelphia leaders urge Harrisburg to reach deal to restore SEPTA services
Mayor Cherelle Parker and several City Council members emphasized that Southeastern Pennsylvania generates 40% of the state's revenue. Philadelphia's City Council said they did their part, including meeting with Republican lawmakers more than a month ago.
WATCH: Mayor Cherelle Parker holds press conference about SEPTA cuts
Mayor Cherelle Parker holds press conference about SEPTA cuts
What's next
Regional Rail will see major impacts starting next week. Fare increases of 21.5 % will also begin on September 1, with Regional Rail seeing reduced service that Tuesday.
"I think ultimately it just speaks to where the priorities of our legislature is at. Philly is such a big part of Pennsylvania's financial health. We need to get to where we need to get to," said Joelene Joinvil, of North Philadelphia
State lawmakers remain split on how to fund SEPTA's $213 million deficit. Democrats, who control the House, and Republicans, who have the majority in the Senate, have spent all summer at odds over what to do.
Philadelphia leaders urge lawmakers to fund SEPTA
Governor Josh Shapiro is pushing for additional funding and says he's still sitting down with both sides in hopes of helping them find a compromise.
"Just following the whole story very closely, following all the legislative political changes happening and hoping something is going to get worked out," said Phil Watson, of Point Breeze.
Citizens are mobilizing to take the matters in their own hands. The Chamber of Commerce, in a letter to lawmakers, urged them to use the Public Transit Trust Fund -- something expressed by Republicans in Harrisburg.
Attorney George Bochetto is now representing several public interest groups with the same idea. He put SEPTA on notice as he said he intends to file a lawsuit to stop cuts.
"Hopefully, issuing a restraining order preventing SEPTA from doing rollbacks to the court can have a full blown preliminary injunction hearing," Bochetto said.