What are SEPTA’s cuts?
The cuts, described as a “death spiral,” will eliminate 32 bus routes and shorten 16 bus routes. There will also be a reduction in service to the 88 bus and Metro and Regional Rail lines. In addition, all special service, including the Sports Express, will be discontinued.
Without permanent funding, SEPTA says it will increase the base fare 21.5% to $2.90, up from $2.50, beginning Sept. 1.
By Jan. 1, 2026, more service cuts would be on the way, including a 9 p.m. curfew on all train service and the elimination of five Regional Rail routes and the Broad-Ridge Spur.
Marion Brown, a resident of Philly’s Fox Chase neighborhood, held her senior transit pass as she spoke out against SEPTA cuts at a protest inside Republican state Sen. Joe Picozzi’s office in Philadelphia to demand full funding for SEPTA, Aug. 18, 2025. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Senia Lopez rides the Route 1 bus, which will be eliminated.
“I’ve started to think about what does it look like if I actually have to start driving,” Lopez said. “Where would that money come from to be able to afford that? I don’t have that. I work paycheck to paycheck. The other plan is truly just wake up even earlier. I have to be in at 7:00. I already leave my house at 5:30.”
The bus routes that will be eliminated are: 1, 8, 12, 19, 30, 31, 35, 47M, 50, 62, 73, 78, 80, 88, 89, 91, 106, 120, 126, 133, 150, 201, 204 (Sept. 27, 2025), 206, 311, 452, 461, 462, 476, 478, 484, BLVD DIR and MANN LOOP.