Latest On SEPTA Plan To Eliminate 5 Regional Rail Lines

Latest update: SEPTA has voted on its budget. See details here.

PHILADELPHIA — SEPTA's board Thursday is poised to approve a budget that would bring about drastic changes to its services due to a massive funding shortfall.

SEPTA representative Andrew Busch Wednesday said he expects the board will approve the budget.

If that does happen, major service cuts would be implemented Aug. 24, and fare increases would go into effect Sept. 1.

Service cuts include the elimination of dozens of bus routes, significant reductions in trips on all rail services, a 9 p.m. curfew for all rail services that would begin in early 2026, and the elimination of five Regional Rail lines — Cynwyd Line, Chestnut Hill West Line, Paoli/Thorndale Line, Trenton Line, Wilmington/Newark Line.

The full details of the proposed cuts are available here.

These cuts and fare increases were proposed in response to a $213 million budget gap, which stems from a combination of the end of federal COVID relief funding and increases in the day-to-day costs of providing service to customers. SEPTA is also grappling with the impact of inflation on everyday necessities such as fuel, power and supplies.

Efforts to stave off the funding crisis led SEPTA to take on aggressive austerity measures, including a freeze on management pay and cuts to third-party consultants, have resulted in savings of $30 million. Other measures, including a 7.5 percent fare increase and the resumption of paid parking at Regional Rail lots, are generating new revenue.

While SEPTA's board may very well approve the new budget, Busch said funding negotiations are still happening in Harrisburg.

"There are no updates or a great sense on what's going on there," he said. "But there have been productive discussions."

He went on to say it seems like both Republicans and Democrats in Harrisburg have an understanding of the impacts these drastic measures would have on the region, and state as a whole.

"There's a better dialogue than the last couple of years," he said of transit funding talks in the state capital.

The impact of the proposed service cuts would be felt throughout the city and region, as reliable options for everyday travel to school and work are greatly diminished, SEPTA officials said.

Beyond regular riders, people traveling to games at the Sports Complex and other special events would have to navigate the 9 p.m. curfew for rail services, along with other restrictions. SEPTA said it would also be forced to cease providing additional service to special events, including plans to support the World Cup, the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, and other 2026 events.

Should the state legislature provide SEPTA with the funds it needs after the new budget is adopted, Busch said the board can amend the budget to reflect the aid provided by Harrisburg.

"There is still a lot to play out," he said. "I hope a resolution will include new transit funding, and we can come back and amend our budget."