'Have a plan' Families urged to prepare for SEPTA cuts before school starts in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia is urging parents to make a plan to get to school on Monday, with SEPTA cuts looming this weekend.
On Sunday, SEPTA will cut 20% of bus service throughout the region, with dozens of cancelled routes.
It's estimated that around 52,000 kids rely on SEPTA to get to school.
"We are encouraging parents to carpool," said Superintendent Tony Watlington. "We've encouraged parents to take advantage of our Flat Rate program, where we provide $300 per family to bring your children to school.
RELATED: Potential SEPTA route cuts a worry for parents, but a school district program may help
Parents across Philadelphia are trying to figure out how the cuts will impact their kids.
"If they are going to cut the buses, these kids might have no way to get to school at all, and that's a shame," said Chelsea Ryan, of Roxborough.
Ryan's nephew will start first grade on Monday, and he's going to take the bus. His route has been reduced, and Ryan isn't sure how that will impact his ride.
"We're going to have to either wait longer or we're going to have to walk there," Ryan said.
She believes the cuts will cause chaos, causing kids and parents to be late.
Watlington said students will not face any penalties for getting to school late if it's because of transportation issues.
RELATED: SEPTA service cuts could add 275,000 vehicles to local roads, experts warn
That doesn't make a difference for college students, though.
Maniyah Lanier is concerned what will happen as she starts her sophomore year at Jefferson University.
"My major is tough already. If I come in late to a lecture, I'm already getting a zero," Lanier said.
SEPTA will have transit agents, officers, and ambassadors on hand to assist passengers and is encouraging riders to download the SEPTA app for guidance.
New SEPTA schedules reflecting service cuts as of August 24:
-Fall bus and metro schedule changes HERE
-Fall Regional Rail schedule changes HERE
