SEPTA endorses budget plan that might lead to almost half of its services getting slashed without state support
Hey there! Here's a breakdown of what's going down with SEPTA transportation in the Philly area, NJ, and DE.
SEPTA's budget for the upcoming fiscal year has some rough news - a whopping $213 million deficit. That would mean devastating service cuts and even higher fares if they don't get the funding they need from the state. Starting as early as July 1, SEPTA could see:
- Cuts to 20% of their services
- 32 bus routes eliminated
- 16 bus routes shortened
- Service reductions on 88 bus, Metro, and Regional Rail lines
- End of all special service, like Sports Express
- If no state funding comes, a 21.5% fare increase in September 2025
- Beginning January 1, 2026, an additional 25% service cuts
- 5 Regional Rail routes eliminated
- 18 additional bus routes eliminated
- Elimination of the Broad-Ridge Spur (B3)
- Routes 10 (T1) and 15 (G1) trolleys converted to buses
- A 9 p.m. curfew on all remaining Metro and Regional Rail services
SEPTA leaders are hoping for some state support to prevent these unfortunate cuts as they'd impact pretty much everyone relying on their buses, trolleys, and trains. Last week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed Governor Josh Shapiro's proposal for $292 million to fund transit across the Commonwealth, but negotiations are still ongoing with the Senate.
Local media reports suggest that these potential cuts could lead to serious consequences like a 4% increase in transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions and a $20 billion drop in property values near Regional Rail stations. So keep your eyes peeled for any updates!
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- The environmental impact of SEPTA's potential service cuts might be significant, with local media predicting a 4% increase in transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.
- The proposed state funding of $292 million for transit across Pennsylvania, if approved, could prevent the severe service cuts and fare increases SEPTA is currently facing.
- In the world of business and politics, the fate of SEPTA transportation in the Philly area, NJ, and DE relies heavily on the ongoing negotiations between the state Senate and the House of Representatives.
- The proposed budget for SEPTA's upcoming fiscal year has sparked concern in the realm of industry, with devastating service cuts and substantial fare increases looming if funding is not secured.
