With SEPTA’s planned service cuts and fare hikes only a few days away, the city of Philadelphia unveiled its plan for the looming “transit death spiral.”

Pennsylvania lawmakers failed to reach a deal to secure funding to cover SEPTA’s $213 million budget deficit before the Aug. 14, 2025, deadline. The transit agency will now move forward with their plan to cut service by 45% and raise fares by 21.5% for approximately 800,000 daily riders. The cuts to SEPTA’s bus routes are scheduled to take place on Aug. 24, 2025, the day before classes begin in the Philadelphia School District.

Then on Sept. 1, 2025, fares will increase for all SEPTA riders while regional rail service cuts go into effect on Sept. 2. The cuts will continue through January 2026 when SEPTA will impose a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail services.

“We continue to be optimistic that there will be a resolution, and we stand behind Governor Josh Shapiro and his plan for a dedicated, recurring source of revenue for SEPTA. We have faith in Speaker Joanna McClinton, Appropriations Chairman Vincent Hughes, Appropriations Chairman Jordan Harris, House Majority Leader Matt Bradford and our Republican legislative leaders to find common ground and ‘get to yes,’” Mayor Cherelle Parker said. “We have no intention of giving up. We’re working with the School District of Philadelphia, and it’s not just about the children. It’s the parents who need to get to work, the seniors, industries and other stakeholders. For Philadelphia, Montco, Delco, Bucks and Chester, this is about our economic survival, our quality of living, how we serve as the foundation of the economy for the entire Commonwealth.”

Despite the mayor’s optimism for a resolution, on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, the city released details on how they plan to deal with the SEPTA cuts should they go into effect on Aug. 24.

“We all know the best way to keep the region moving and to keep the local and state economy going will be for SEPTA to be fully funded in the State budget,” Mike Carroll, Deputy Managing Director, Transportation and Infrastructure, said. “Of course, there is no substitute for SEPTA, but in the meantime, we must adapt to new patterns of travel.”

Traffic in Philly

City officials warned that Philadelphia residents and commuters should expect travel disruptions in Center City when the SEPTA service cuts are implemented. They encouraged motorists to avoid driving within or around Center City, especially during morning and evening rush hour, if they can avoid it.

They also posted a map showing available parking near transit.

The Philadelphia Department of Streets will increase staffing assignments to monitor traffic, adjust signal timing and conduct any emergency traffic infrastructure repairs.

The city’s Traffic Operations Center will be staffed from 5 a.m. through 7 p.m. to cover peak commute times and the Traffic Engineering Division will prepare repair crews and temporary generators in order to respond to power outages or damaged traffic signals.

The city also encouraged residents to report any urgent traffic issues (ie. damaged traffic signals) by calling 911 and any non-urgent traffic issues (ie. damaged roads, traffic signs, streetlights or unsafe traffic conditions) by calling 311.

Cracking down on unpermitted street work and closures

Inspectors with the city’s Department of Streets Right-of-Way Unit and Highway Division will patrol across Philadelphia to make sure permitted street work and closures don’t start before 9 a.m.

The city encouraged residents to report any unpermitted work or street closures by calling 911.

Parking in Philly

The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) will increase enforcement, focusing especially on North Broad Street. The PPA is also considering creating additional “pop-up” parking on vacant parcels near transit stops in parts of the city.

Commuters can check for the most current parking options available by downloading the ParkMobile app.

Walking and biking in Philly

The city said they’ve made “significant investments” in infrastructure over the years to accommodate more walking and cycling throughout Philadelphia. They encourage residents to walk or bike around Philadelphia if weather conditions permit.

The city also said residents can pay only $1 a month for Indego Bike Share throughout the month of September by using the promo code “indecycle25.”