'We are left with no other choice': SEPTA announces new service schedules if funding is not passed
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- SEPTA is releasing new details about the changes to service the agency will make as massive budget cuts loom.
They are now revealing the new schedules that will take effect if state transit funding is not secured by August 14. As of now, the changes will go into effect starting on August 24.
RELATED: SEPTA approaching the point of no return for major service cuts
Overall, officials warn that there will be a 20% cut to all services, including the elimination of 32 bus routes and significant reductions in trips on rail modes.
"Now it's real. We have real schedules. We have real cuts. This is going to happen. It's unfortunate it's going to happen, but this is real now," said SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer.
Service Changes
Officials said the August 24 service cuts would be the first of several steps the transit agency will take this year to fill a $213 million budget deficit.
Additional measures would quickly follow, including a 21.5% fare increase that would take effect on September 1, as well as a complete hiring freeze later in the month.
A second wave of service cuts would begin on January 1, 2026, which would include the elimination of five Regional Rail lines, as well as a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail services. Another 18 bus routes would also be eliminated in an effort to achieve an overall 45% reduction in service, according to SETPA.
"Those are the steps needed to balance this year's budget without new funding," SEPTA said in a press release, adding that additional cuts would also follow in subsequent years.
"At this point, we are left with no other choice but to begin dismantling the SEPTA system," Sauer said.
There will also be an end to all special services, including the sports express.
The cut to sports express service would happen at the end of this month, right before the Eagles host the Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field to kick off the season.
"On a regular Eagles game, we operate 10 express trains," said Jody Holton, SEPTA's Chief Planning & Strategy Officer.
Because of that, members of the organization "Transit Forward Philly" have canvassed outside recent Phillies games, as well as in spots across the city.
They said this is an issue that could affect everyone.
"There are about 800,000 people who take SEPTA every weekday. It is projected that about 275,000 of those folks would start driving if these cuts go into effect," Stephen Bronskill, the coalition manager of Transit Forward Philly, said. "That is going to lengthen everyone's commute time."
The agency has already posted signs at 3,000 bus stops across the system, warning riders of the looming service cuts.
School District of Philadelphia students are also being urged to find other ways to get to school, as the new school year begins the day after cuts are scheduled to go into effect.
ALSO SEE: Lawmakers push, place blame for lack of SEPTA funding as deadline looms
Despite Wednesday's announcement, SEPTA officials said they "remain optimistic that a funding agreement can be reached," and that they "will continue working with lawmakers in any way we can to help get this over the finish line."
In Harrisburg on Wednesday, Democratic State Rep. Sean Dougherty, who represents Northeast Philadelphia, pushed for his bill that provides funding and oversight for state transit agencies.
Dougherty said, "These cuts will hurt real people, destroy jobs, and hurt businesses of every size."
His sponsored legislation, House Bill 1788, passed the House Transportation Committee on Wednesday afternoon despite pushback from some Republicans.
Before the vote, Republican Rep. Kerry Benninghoff said, "It is not that we're not empathetic... For a lot of our rural members, respectful of what you guys do for our overall budget in the state, how much will be enough?"
The Republican-led state Senate has stalled on negotiating and passing the state budget, which is now five weeks past its deadline.
Senate majority leader Joe Pittman said he met with Gov. Shapiro on Wednesday and is optimistic a budget can be passed.
He also emphasized Republicans are focused on fiscally responsible measures.
New SEPTA schedules reflecting service cuts as of August 24:
Fall bus and metro schedule changes HERE
Fall Regional Rail schedule changes HERE
