PHILADELPHIA — As major threats to SEPTA services loom amid a massive budget shortfall, the transit agency is hosting four public hearings where community members can submit comments.
SEPTA is proposing to cut service by 45 percent and raise fares 21.5 percent to fill a $213 million recurring budget deficit that starts with the new fiscal year on July 1. The cuts include the elimination of five regional rail lines and 50 bus routes.
The first of four hearings, which will be held inside SEPTA Headquarters at 1234 Market St., starts at 11 a.m. Monday. SEPTA officials will provide a brief overview of the budget proposal and then open the meeting up for public comment.
A second hearing will be held at 5 p.m. Monday. Additionally, hearings will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday and 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Riders, residents and other members of the public can attend and are encouraged to share their concerns during the sessions. Participants do not have to pre-register to attend or participate in the four hearings. Members of the public who want to speak will be taken in order of arrival.
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For those who cannot attend one of the hearings, comments can be submitted by email [email protected], via voicemail by calling 215-580-7772, or mail, SEPTA Budgets,1234 Market Street, 9th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Comments must be submitted by May 28. Feedback will be considered before the SEPTA Board votes on a budget proposal on June 26.
SEPTA is proposing to cut service by 45 percent and raise fares 21.5 percent to fill a $213 million recurring budget deficit that starts with the new fiscal year on July 1.
Some of the key the changes SEPTA says will be necessary to address the budget shortfall are:
The full details of the proposed cuts can be found here.
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 in announcing the proposed cuts.
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.
The effects on businesses, including the region’s healthcare systems that rely on SEPTA to transport employees and patients, would be immediate and far-reaching, SEPTA said. Authorities also said roadway congestion will get worse, as people who typically use SEPTA would switch to driving.
Septa released this graphic of the key changes if the cuts are carried out:
A recent study by The Delaware Regional Planning Commission projects 2 million additional daily vehicle miles will be traveled in Philadelphia and its four bordering counties if the proposed cuts go through.
The study states that commutes would be 30 percent longer on two key highways that run through the Philadelphia region, and highway congestion would increase. It also found that at least 275,000 more cars would hit the road daily.
The budget shortfall would also force SEPTA to freeze all hiring on Sept 1.
Gov. Josh Shapiro has proposed a statewide funding plan to address SEPTA’s financial challenges and avert these cuts. The PA House has passed related legislation multiple times, and negotiations are ongoing in Harrisburg.