The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is facing a financial crisis that could significantly affect public transit in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. To clarify the situation, we interviewed Elvira Méndez, Senior Press Officer and Multilingual Communications Lead at SEPTA, who explained the current scenario:

What is the current state of funding, and what changes are anticipated in the short and medium term?

SEPTA is facing a structural deficit of $213 million for fiscal year 2026, despite austerity measures like hiring freezes and administrative cuts. On August 11, 2025, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved a bill allocating an additional $292 million (a 25% increase in operational funds for public transit statewide), but the bill still faces opposition in the Senate. If not approved by August 14, SEPTA warn it will be forced to implement major cuts starting August 24.

Are any route reductions or eliminations expected?

Yes, they are planned in several phases if a budget agreement is not reached.

Starting August 24, 2025:

-20% reduction in service

-Elimination of 32 bus routes, shortening of 16 routes, and overall service cuts on many others

-Cancellation of all special services, such as “Sports Express” trains

Starting September 1:

-Fare increase of 21.5%, setting the base fare at $2.90

Starting January 1, 2026:

-Elimination of five Regional Rail lines

-Elimination of 18 additional bus routes

-Conversion of trolley routes T1 (10) and G1 (15) into bus routes

-Closure of the Broad-Ridge Spur (B3) of the Broad Street Line and 9 p.m. shutdown of subway and regional rail service

What kind of additional funding is SEPTA requesting to maintain or improve service?

We are supporting the governor’s proposal to increase the portion of the sales tax allocated to public transportation, from 4.4% to 6.15% for five years, which would generate sustainable revenue.

Additionally, SEPTA is seeking long-term state support to cover basic operating costs, avoid irreversible service cuts, and revive infrastructure projects.

What is your message to the community about the current situation and SEPTA’s actions?

SEPTA is working closely with schools, employers, and local communities to guide passengers and ensure accurate information across all channels. Meanwhile, it continues to collaborate with the state legislature to avoid service cuts.

The agency urges the public to contact their state representatives and support a sustainable funding solution. Without funding before August 14, those who rely on SEPTA every day will be hit the hardest.

Are there any adjustments in routes, schedules, or frequency in response to increased demand during the back-to-school season? What should parents, students, and teachers know?

In the past, we adjusted service to accommodate increased school-year ridership, but this year, that won’t be the case. The service cuts planned to begin August 24 do not include those adjustments.

The situation is critical and calls for the attention and support of the entire community to ensure accessible and reliable public transit for Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania.

 For more information, visit https://www.septa.org/fundingcrisis/