Philadelphia helping SEPTA restore some bus routes for students amid cuts

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The City of Philadelphia is using $135 million to help SEPTA restore bus lines most used by school students.

The money comes from a transit subsidy in the city's 2026 budget and will allow SEPTA to restore routes that were impacted by service cuts.

Commuter Crisis: First round of SEPTA cuts in effect | What you need to know

"We are proud that our City teams moved quickly with SEPTA to find a way to restore transit services in the areas where students are most affected by the cutbacks that started on the first day of school this week," said Mayor Cherelle Parker.

Service will be augmented on routes that serve a significant number of students to reduce crowding and pass-ups, which will begin next week (September 2nd), by improving frequencies with added buses. Routes include the 14, 20, 23, 26, 47, 63, 67, 70, 82, T2, and T5.

SEPTA will publish a restored schedule for the 84, 88, and 31 routes, along with the 400-series routes, in mid-September.

Phase 1 of SEPTA's cuts began August 24 due to a $213 million deficit this fiscal year, the agency says. The cuts are reducing service by 20% across buses, trolleys, and subway lines, and the elimination of express services to the sports complex in South Philadelphia.

A 21.5% fare increase goes into effect Monday, and starting Tuesday, Regional Rail will see reduced service.

Philadelphia school teacher Andrew Saltz says these SEPTA cuts have noticeably impacted his students.

"It definitely feels like it's harder for kids to get to school. It's a lot more kids getting rides from their parents," said teacher Andrew Saltz.

The school district says 63% of schools showed an increase in late arrivals this week, and 54% reported an increase in student absences.

"We're optimistic that the restoration of priority routes will enable more students to attend school and accelerate academic achievement," the district said in a statement.

Get the latest on the SEPTA cuts here.