Phillies fans urged to plan ahead of Sunday's game with SEPTA cuts taking effect

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- SEPTA has begun implementing massive service cuts due to an impasse on a budget deal in Harrisburg. It's a last minute scramble for those who will be impacted by the cuts.

In the first phase of SEPTA service cuts that take effect on Sunday, dozens of bus routes and rail lines will get slashed. The first big test is Sunday's Phillies game. Then comes the first day of school for students in Philadelphia on Monday.

"It's going to be awful. What are we going to do Uber? They're going to drop us off like a mile away," said Maisie Leidich, of Fairmount.

Phillies fans are planning how they'll get to and from Citizens Bank Park, with fewer trains running on the Broad Street Line.

"I only take the subway during game days," said Lauren Cozzi, of Washington Square West.

Among the biggest changes, SEPTA will no longer run express trains to games, only local service will be available. For some, that could mean missing out altogether.

"There will be no way I could make it," said Mikal Mumin, of West Philadelphia.

Fans are being urged to plan ahead, leave early, and expect delays. And it's not just the ballpark affected. If the cuts remain in place, that could mean problems for fans attending the Eagles season kickoff against the Cowboys on September 4th.

"Phillies games I take the subway there and back. Eagles games, the same thing. Ubers are too expensive," said Camryn Zavacky, of Fairmount.

Sports fans aren't the only ones planning new routes. Parents in the Philadelphia School District are also trying to figure out how their children will get to school on Monday. The first wave of SEPTA's service reductions, driven by a $213 million deficit, take effect Sunday.

"Having just moved here, now I have to relearn how to get around again," said Keni Williams, of West Philadelphia.

The cuts amount to a 20% reduction across all services, including the elimination of 32 bus routes and fewer trains and trolleys running each day. Some families say it will be a group effort.

"We do neighborhood carpooling to make sure the kids get to school on time, and we get to work on time," said Armanie Nickens, of Mantua.

Without funding from the state, the reductions will continue. SEPTA is preparing to cut nearly half of its service systemwide this year, while also raising fares by 20%. Officials say even if last-minute funding comes through, it could take several days to restore full service, leaving parents concerned about timing.

"At her school, you can't really be late," said Fedriana Gabourel, of South Philadelphia.

Some students are already planning to switch it up day by day.

"I'll definitely be Ubering, Lyfting, or getting picked up, something like that," said Frank Brown, of Southwest Philadelphia.

AAA warns that traffic will likely get even heavier, with people heading back to work and school after summer break, so give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination.