Suburban riders prepare for impacts on Regional Rail services ahead of next phase of SEPTA cuts

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- There are growing concerns for SEPTA Regional Rail riders, with cuts to begin next week.

That's on top of a fare hike and bus routes that have been eliminated or cut back.

It is now day four of reduced SEPTA service in Philadelphia.

The commuter crisis has riders concerned about how they'll get around.

"This is on the historic Main Line, so the entire basis of the western suburbs was based on this train line and now we're looking to have it discontinued," said Joel Gunther, of Ardmore.

The Paoli-Thorndale Line is one of five SEPTA Regional Rail lines that will be eliminated, come January without additional funding.

The Cynwyd, Trenton, and Wilmington/Newark lines are also on the chopping block.

All remaining lines will see a 9 p.m. curfew come 2026.

Before that, train frequency will be significantly reduced on Regional Rail come September 2.

Daily rides will also increase by an additional $1 to $2. Bus and metro trips will increase to $2.90 per trip.

The impact of these potential cuts will affect the entire region.

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

"I'm concerned about how this is going to impact all kinds of people students people traveling for work and even the roads for people who are going to drive to the city. Is there enough parking in the city? What's going to happen? Is our infrastructure able to handle all of that?" said Gita Srinivasan, of Bryn Mawr. "But yes, it's a cause for concern."

There seemed to be movement and progress over the weekend, but now as we reach mid-week, there's no word on emergency votes or meetings.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said on Tuesday that he is making progress at finding a way to eliminate the transit agency's $213 million deficit, which played a huge role in the cuts.

The governor declared that he is open to the State Senate Republicans' proposal to use Pennsylvania's Public Transit Trust Fund to reverse the cuts.

That money is normally earmarked to cover capital projects.

Democratic state lawmakers initially opposed that plan.

RELATED: Philadelphia's mass transit cuts foreshadow possible similar moves by other agencies across US

"Utilizing the PTTF as part of a broader package is something that we can do, but it has to be part of a broader package that focuses on recurring funding over a long period of time that funds transit in each of our 67 counties," Shapiro said.

"We appreciate Governor Shapiro's clear acknowledgement [Tuesday] that PTTF funds can be part of the solution to SEPTA's financial crisis," Senate Republicans said in response.

SEPTA will increase fares by 21.5% beginning on Monday. The agency will reduce Regional Rail service on Tuesday, even as ridership typically grows after Labor Day.

SEPTA says these cuts are moving along as scheduled.