Commuter Crisis: First round of SEPTA cuts in effect Sunday | What you need to know

Commuter Crisis: First round of SEPTA cuts in effect Sunday | What you need to know

Commuter Crisis: First round of SEPTA cuts in effect Sunday | What you need to know

Commuter Crisis: First round of SEPTA cuts in effect Sunday | What you need to know

Commuter Crisis: First round of SEPTA cuts in effect Sunday | What you need to know

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The first phase of major service reductions for SEPTA are now in effect on Sunday, due to a $213 million deficit this fiscal year for the transit agency in Philadelphia.

Earlier this month, SEPTA officials said that if they were not able to secure funding by August 14, they would be forced to move forward with the cuts.

RELATED: SEPTA’s board approves ‘doomsday’ budget that drastically slashes service

That includes a 20% cut to all services, including the elimination of 32 bus routes and significant reductions in trips on rail modes.

The August 24 service cuts are just the first of several steps the transit agency will take this year in response to the budget shortfall.

SEPTA will ultimately be cutting 45% of all service and raising fares by 20%.

The SEPTA cuts come as students across Philadelphia prepare for the first day of school on Monday.

SEPTA officials say even if they are somehow able to get the funding they need, it will take a few days to get normal operations back up and running.

Service cuts now in effect

There are 32 bus routes that will been eliminated. Some buses will also no longer go as far into the city as they used to.

Bus Routes being eliminated include: 1, 8, 12, 19, 30, 31, 35, 47M, 50, 62, 73, 78, 80, 88, 89, 91, 106, 120, 126, 133, 150, 201, 204 (Sept. 27, 2025), 206, 311, 452, 461, 462, 476, 478, 484, BLVD DIR, MANN LOOP

Commuters will also notice a significant reductions in trips on rail modes.

There will also be an end to all special services, including the sports express.

The cut to sports express service would happen at the end of this month, right before the Eagles host the Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field to kick off the season on September 4.

SEPTA expects significant delays for fans traveling to and from Lincoln Financial Field, especially after the game.

The agency typically runs 10 additional trains to accommodate the 14,000 to 17,000 fans who leave the stadium within an hour.

That number will now drop to just four.

The transit agency also cautioned that other major events could be affected, including potential Phillies playoff games, concerts, and next June’s FIFA World Cup soccer tournament.

New SEPTA schedules reflecting service cuts as of August 24:

Fall bus and metro schedule changes HERE

Fall Regional Rail schedule changes HERE

Officials are urging people to utilize the SEPTA website and app.

“We have a trip planning feature where you can plug in your route or destination and see what will be the best option for you,” said SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch ahead of the cuts. “If you have a bus route eliminated, it’s going to show you what’s running there that you may be able to use as an alternative.”

Other planned cuts, fare increases to come

A 21.5% fare increase will take effect on September 1, meaning that the base fare goes up to $2.90.

A weekly TransPass+ will also go up from $25.50 to $31.

A monthly TransPass+ is increasing from $96 to $116.

If you’re looking for a one day convenience pass, that will now be $7.50, instead of $6. The three day convenience pass is also rising to $19, compared to $15.

Children under the age of 12 and senior citizens with a Senior Fare Card are still free.

A ParaTransit/Shared Ride will also now be $5.75, instead of $4.25.

There will also be a complete hiring freeze later in the month.

A second wave of service cuts would begin on January 1, 2026, which would include the elimination of five Regional Rail lines, as well as a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail services.

Regional Rail fares are also increasing:

-Zone 1

Kiosk/Ticket office/SEPTA Key fare: $5

On board fare: $7

-Zone 2

Kiosk/Ticket office/SEPTA Key fare: $6.50

On board fare: $9

-Zone 3

Kiosk/Ticket office/SEPTA Key fare: $7.75

On board fare: $10

-Zone 4

Kiosk/Ticket office/SEPTA Key fare: $8.75

On board fare: $11

-Zone NJ

Kiosk/Ticket office/SEPTA Key fare: $11

On board fare: $13

Another 18 bus routes would also be eliminated in an effort to achieve an overall 45% reduction in service, according to SETPA.

Options to help get around Philly without breaking the bank

Commuter Crisis: Options to help get around Philly without breaking the bank

Action News has done the homework to see what other options are out there for riders.

Share-A-Ride

Share-A-Ride is a resource that can help find travel options.

App users can access the database to find matches for carpools, van pools, they can find transit routes.

“It’s a free computerized system,” said Stacy Bartels with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

It also connects people who want to bike or walk together.

The important thing is to put your information into the database, which currently has about 3,000 people.

“They may not get a match right away, but the more people we have going into the database, the better the chance of matching,” Bartels added.

If more people sign up, existing carpools can grow and new ones can be created.

Rideshare

Uber now lets you share where you ride with strangers. You can also choose Group Rides, where you can invite friends.

Then, there is also the company’s latest option, Route Share, is designed to function like a commuter shuttle running every 20 minutes during peak times from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m, with designated pick-up and drop-off points.

“Routeshare can save users up to 50% off the UberX price,” said an Uber spokesperson.

For even more significant savings, try Uber Transit, which provides a public transit route, sometimes combined with an Uber ride.

You can also buy a “Price Lock Pass” on up to 10 routes per month.

If the upfront fare is lower than your locked price when you request a ride, you’ll get the lower price.

Commute with Enterprise

The rental car company, Enterprise, has teamed up with companies to match employees who live near each other, then provides them with vehicles to use.

Enterprise said in an email to Action News that it currently has 60,000 commuters signed up nationwide. Each ride consists of 4-15 riders who live near each other or along a route, and share rides to and from work.

Enterprise takes care of maintenance and vehicle liability insurance.

Some carpools and vanpools require a partnership with companies, so talk to your boss.

Also, be aware that Delaware and New Jersey also offer free commuter services programs to get into Philadelphia.

How students can navigate the cuts as school begins

There are more than 198,000 students in the School District of Philadelphia, and nearly a quarter of them rely on SEPTA to get to and from school.

And these SEPTA cuts come as students across Philadelphia prepare for the first day of school on Monday.

Even if your route is not among the cuts, officials have warned that even the bus routes that remain could have issues.

So the district is encouraging parents to make a plan and consider options, like carpools.

One of those options is called the Parent Flat Rate program.

“(Parents) drop their students off and pick them up at dismissal, they can get $300 (per month),” said Monique Braxton, Deputy Chief of Communications for the School District of Philadelphia.

The $300 per month is per household. Parents who take their children to school but have them ride the bus home can be reimbursed $150 a month.

However, you have to qualify, according to district officials.

“Your child has to live more than a mile and a half from their school,” Braxton said.

Nearly twice as many students ride SEPTA compared to the number of students who ride the yellow school buses, so some might wonder why we can’t just add more school buses?

However, officials say, right now, adding more yellow buses is not an option.

“There’s a shortage of bus drivers or resources to go out and commandeer to get a lot of additional school buses,” said School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington.

For more information on the Parent Flat Rate program, including the online application, click here: https://www.philasd.org/transportation/#parentflatrate

SEPTA service cuts could add 275,000 vehicles to local roads, experts say

Widespread impacts on roads if SEPTA goes through with cuts

Transit experts warned that the SEPTA service cuts could result in approximately 275,000 additional vehicles on local roadways, a number just shy of Pittsburgh’s population.

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission analyzed the potential impact and found that already congested roads across the region would see significant increases in travel times and decreases in average speeds.

According to Action News traffic anchor Matt Pellman, the commission’s data shows that commute times on major corridors could rise sharply.

For example, southbound travel on I-95 from Northeast Philadelphia to Center City could increase by 18%. That means a 40-minute drive from Academy Road to the Vine Street Expressway would take 47 minutes.

On the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), the commute between King of Prussia and Girard Avenue could take 20% longer – from 35 minutes to 42 minutes.

Suburban routes would also be affected.

Speeds on the Blue Route (I-476) are expected to drop by more than five miles per hour, from 37.1 mph to 32.5 mph.

Drivers heading north on I-95 through Delaware County to Center City could see a 10% increase in travel time, partly due to the proposed elimination of the Wilmington-Newark line.

In Bucks County, interstate delays on highways like I-95 and I-295 could rise by up to 30%, with the discontinuation of the Trenton line contributing to the congestion.

Chester County may face the steepest impact, where the potential loss of the Paoli-Thorndale regional rail line could lead to a 40% increase in delays on Route 202 – nearly doubling commute times.

How other major cities are tackling their transit budget problems

SEPTA funding crisis: How other major cities are tackling transit budget problems

When other major cities look at the SEPTA crisis, they don’t feel sorry for us. They’re too busy being scared for themselves.

This is true, from the recent troubles for the MTA in New York City to the crisis facing BART and Muni in San Francisco right now.

But no city twins Philadelphia more than Chicago. They too have pandemic ridership disruption and the loss of COVID funds.

They too are waiting on statehouse intervention, in their case to deal with a $700 million hole. They are also facing a slash in service, perhaps as much as 40%, come January.

However, Chicago doesn’t have our partisan drama, since all its top lawmakers are Democrats.

Advocates in both cities say the answer is a new dedicated funding source that taxes modern living like package deliveries, ride shares and car leases.

Stay with Action News for the latest with SEPTA cuts

From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Let us know!

SEPTA has slashed its service as state budget delays — now nearly two months past the deadline — leave state transit funding unresolved and Philadelphia’s transportation network at risk.

The changes have Philadelphians adjusting to a new normal. As of Sunday, 32 bus routes have been eliminated and 16 bus routes have been shortened. Service has been reduced to the 88 bus, Metro and Regional Rail lines, and all special rail service, including the Sports Express, will be discontinued.

“It’s more than just ease of transportation; it’s autonomy for people who have health issues. It’s autonomy for people who are disabled,” resident Morgan Gallagher said Sunday while waiting at a Center City bus stop. “It is the fluidity with which we access our city. A city is life and having that kind of infrastructure is critical, not just for getting to work on time, but also for the health and safety of a community.”

Josh Powanda works in the restaurant industry and said cutting out service throughout the city could greatly disrupt his day-to-day travel, but also noted how many businesses run into the late evening hours.

“It kind of knocks out a large section of time that Center City and Old City and other parts of the city need people to be able to move freely,” Powanda said. “We all don’t want to spend the money on Ubers, because that’s going to get really expensive.”

Phillies fans among last to catch Sports Express Train before SEPTA service cuts

Commuter Crisis: First round of SEPTA cuts in effect Sunday | What you need to know

Commuter Crisis: First round of SEPTA cuts in effect Sunday | What you need to know

Commuter Crisis: First round of SEPTA cuts in effect Sunday | What you need to know

Commuter Crisis: First round of SEPTA cuts in effect Sunday | What you need to know

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Phillies fans who were getting off the train at NRG station for Sunday’s game knew they wouldn’t have the Sports Express Trains as an option for much longer. Now that SEPTA service cuts have gone into effect, the Sports Express Trains are going away.

Fans say riding the train is a convenient way to get to the event without the hassle of driving or parking.

“On the way down it was great,” said Dylan Dienstbier of Fitler Square as he got off the train and headed into Citizens Bank Park.

Jesse Montero took the train from Brooklyn with his son to watch the Phillies play

“It was a long train ride,” Montero’s son said with a smile as his dad held him.

“But it was convenient for us though,” said Montero.

SEPTA service cuts are the reason behind the ending of the Sports Express Trains. The transportation agency is facing a budget deficit of more than $200 million. Pennsylvania lawmakers have been in a stalemate, unable to agree on a bill to pass for transportation funding.

“We’re upset that we’re losing the train. We may have to come to these events in traffic. Honestly, we probably won’t come to these events,” said Nicholas Zerbo of Manayunk.

Typically, SEPTA would add three or four extra trains for Phillies games and 10 additional trains for the Eagles games.

AAA is advising fans to come up with a plan.

“How are you going to get there,” says Jana Tidwell with AAA Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs, “Is it a ride share? Is somebody going to drop you off? Or are you now going to need to get there sooner to pay for parking?”

At the 69th Street Transportation Center, there was talk of not just how the cuts affect games but people’s lives.

“There’s more things important than the Eagles game,” said Paul Williams of North Philadelphia noting because of reduced service on the El, he didn’t know how he’d get home from work.

“Even though the Eagles game is important, a lot of people gonna lose their jobs behind SEPTA,” he said.

The Sports Express Trains are scheduled to be completely cut at the end of the month. That means no trains for the Eagles season kickoff next Thursday, September 4th.

“It’s going to be brutal. I don’t know if we’re going to take the train to an Eagles game and stuff,” said Charlie Bono of Conshohocken.

“I’m glad I’m not coming to that game because I think it’ll kind of be a nightmare getting here,” said Sara Keefer of Manayunk.

Sports fans are now tasked with developing their own game plan to get to the games.

“It’s a bummer for sure,” said Bono. “I don’t want to drive down here in the traffic and stuff.”

AAA warns that the service cuts will also cause traffic to be heavier daily and especially on game days. They say fans should start planning to give themselves some extra time when headed to sports events in the city.

SEPTA’s sweeping service cuts are now in effect across our region. Trains and buses will run less frequently, and some bus routes are disappearing altogether. The service cuts will affect a number of SEPTA services, including the express trains to the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.

The express trains to the Sports Complex are one of the many services SEPTA is cutting. Ahead of the Phillies’ game against the Nationals on Sunday afternoon, the team encouraged fans to be proactive and give themselves more time to get to and from the ballpark.

“For fans driving to the Sports Complex, tailgating parking lots will continue to open five hours before the first pitch, with all other parking lots opening three hours before the first pitch, for Phillies home games,” the Phillies said in an announcement.

Trains will still go to the Sports Complex, but it’s important to note that service will be less frequent. Additionally, as part of these cuts, SEPTA will eliminate 32 bus routes and shorten 16 others. Dozens of buses, trolleys and subway lines will also see reduced service.

SEPTA riders have continued to express disappointment about the cuts.

“It’s going to make everything horrible,” said Susan Mbombab, who normally rides SEPTA. “Traffic’s going to be horrible.”

Before the mass service cuts went into effect, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said on Saturday that getting a deal done to fund SEPTA is not just important for the city but for the entire state of Pennsylvania.

“It’s no pointing fingers. We have to come together to figure out a way to get this done, and I won’t lose hope or faith that our legislators will come together to find a way to address this issue,” Parker said.

It’s a day that many across the City of Philadelphia have been dreading.

Talked about in harsh terms, like “death spiral,” “doomsday,” or, as Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker called them last week, “nightmarish,” sweeping service cuts have been set to hit the city for some time.

Stream Philadelphia News for free, 24/7, wherever you are with NBC10. WATCH HERE WATCH HERE

And, today, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, they take effect.

Yet, the real impact may not be felt until the work week begins on Monday. And, by then, there will be additional service cuts.

And, there’s a fare hike coming next week, as well.

What happens on Sunday?

SEPTA will cut services about 20% across the board on Sunday with the elimination of 32 bus routes, 16 shortened routes and 88 bus routes will be reduced.

You can find the full list of cuts here.

Along with these cuts, commuters — especially anyone planning to head to Sunday’s Phillies game — should be aware that there will be no express trains to or from games at the South Philly Sports Complex.

SEPTA’s service cuts have eliminated routes used by fans and concertgoers to the Philly Sports Complex, including express trains. NBC10’s Siobhan McGirl has the story.

The team, in a statement, urged fans to plan for extra time for their commute to the ballpark.

“Fans are encouraged to plan ahead, arrive early and allow for additional travel time to and from Citizens Bank Park,” the team’s statement read, in part.

Also, the Broad Street Line is one of four metro lines that will see reduced service.

There will also be fewer Regional Rail trains out across the city.

Then, on Monday, as the School District of Philadelphia is set to hold its first day of classes, an additional three bus routes will be eliminated, as well.

Fare hikes coming in September

Then, come the start of next month, a fare increase averaging 21.5% goes into effect for all SEPTA riders, raising the new base fare for weekday bus, train and trolley rides from $2.50 to $2.90.

Earlier this year, SEPTA shared details on how these service cuts would break down once they began to take effect.

For a full list of SEPTA cuts and a timeline of when the cuts and fare increases will go into effect, click here.

By next year, SEPTA expects to cut service by 45% for approximately 800,000 daily riders.

Can this be fixed?

At a recent press conference, SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer said that the mass transit provider could reverse these cuts, if Harrisburg comes up with a solution to the ongoing financial issues that have led to this situation.

“If a deal were to happen in the next 48 hours, we will do everything in our power to try to put as much service back on the street as we can,” Sauer said on Friday.

This ball began rolling months ago, as Pennsylvania lawmakers have failed to reach a deal to secure funding to cover SEPTA’s $213 million budget deficit before an Aug. 14, 2025, deadline.