While the proposal could be enough to fend off a looming 20% reduction in service, it would do little to prevent expected fare increases, which under Picozzi’s proposal would still occur year-over-year.
SEPTA has not yet responded to a request for comment.
On Monday, the Democrat-led state House of Representatives passed a funding bill for a fifth time, which included money for SEPTA. That legislation would increase the share of sales tax revenue used for both roads and mass transit funding in the state.
What SEPTA routes will be impacted by service cuts?
If funding legislation is not approved by Thursday, Aug. 14, a 20% service cut will begin 10 days later, on Sunday, Aug. 24 — the day before the first day of school for Philadelphia public schools.
The cuts, described by SEPTA as a “death spiral,” will result in the immediate elimination of 32 bus routes and the shortening of 16 bus routes. There will also be a reduction in service to the 88 bus, Metro and Regional Rail lines and will discontinue all special service, including the Sports Express.
The bus routes that will be eliminated are the: 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.
SEPTA fare increases, curfew and beyond: What other changes are on the table
Under the Senate proposal introduced Tuesday, fares would increase to account for the cost of inflation or “by the percentage increase in the consumer price index,” the bill states.
Without any funding, SEPTA says it will need to increase the base fare to $2.90, up from $2.50 beginning Sept. 1. In addition, a complete hiring freeze, including operators, would also go into effect.
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.