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If state lawmakers don’t add new funding to resolve SEPTA’s $213 million budget deficit by Aug. 14, the transit agency will begin implementing drastic service cuts.

“We will be left with no other choice but to begin dismantling the SEPTA system,” SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer said in an emailed news release. “Our planning and operations staff have worked hard to compress the timeline for pre-schedule change work, but we cannot push it beyond Aug. 14.”

As part of the cuts, 32 bus routes will be eliminated. There will be “significant reductions” on all rail service. Special services like the express trains that take fans to the sports complex in South Philly will no longer be in operation. Starting Sept. 1, fares will rise by 21.5%.

SEPTA has set the Aug. 14 deadline for state lawmakers to act because the agency needs time to complete a number of tasks related to the cuts, including finalizing work schedules and updating the SEPTA App, digital signs and platform announcements to reflect the reduced service.

‘We are left with no other choice’: SEPTA announces new service schedules if funding is not passed

SEPTA is revealing the new schedules that will take effect if state transit funding is not secured by August 14.

SEPTA is revealing the new schedules that will take effect if state transit funding is not secured by August 14.

SEPTA is revealing the new schedules that will take effect if state transit funding is not secured by August 14.

SEPTA is revealing the new schedules that will take effect if state transit funding is not secured by August 14.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — SEPTA is releasing new details about the changes to service the agency will make as massive budget cuts loom.

They are now revealing the new schedules that will take effect if state transit funding is not secured by August 14. As of now, the changes will go into effect starting on August 24.

RELATED: SEPTA approaching the point of no return for major service cuts

Overall, officials warn that there will be a 20% cut to all services, including the elimination of 32 bus routes and significant reductions in trips on rail modes.

“Now it’s real. We have real schedules. We have real cuts. This is going to happen. It’s unfortunate it’s going to happen, but this is real now,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer.

Service Changes

SEPTA is revealing the new schedules that will take effect if state transit funding is not secured by August 14.

Officials said the August 24 service cuts would be the first of several steps the transit agency will take this year to fill a $213 million budget deficit.

Additional measures would quickly follow, including a 21.5% fare increase that would take effect on September 1, as well as 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. Another 18 bus routes would also be eliminated in an effort to achieve an overall 45% reduction in service, according to SETPA.

“Those are the steps needed to balance this year’s budget without new funding,” SEPTA said in a press release, adding that additional cuts would also follow in subsequent years.

“At this point, we are left with no other choice but to begin dismantling the SEPTA system,” Sauer said.

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 a regular Eagles game, we operate 10 express trains,” said Jody Holton, SEPTA’s Chief Planning & Strategy Officer.

Because of that, members of the organization “Transit Forward Philly” have canvassed outside recent Phillies games, as well as in spots across the city.

They said this is an issue that could affect everyone.

“There are about 800,000 people who take SEPTA every weekday. It is projected that about 275,000 of those folks would start driving if these cuts go into effect,” Stephen Bronskill, the coalition manager of Transit Forward Philly, said. “That is going to lengthen everyone’s commute time.”

The agency has already posted signs at 3,000 bus stops across the system, warning riders of the looming service cuts.

School District of Philadelphia students are also being urged to find other ways to get to school, as the new school year begins the day after cuts are scheduled to go into effect.

ALSO SEE: Lawmakers push, place blame for lack of SEPTA funding as deadline looms

Despite Wednesday’s announcement, SEPTA officials said they “remain optimistic that a funding agreement can be reached,” and that they “will continue working with lawmakers in any way we can to help get this over the finish line.”

In Harrisburg on Wednesday, Democratic State Rep. Sean Dougherty, who represents Northeast Philadelphia, pushed for his bill that provides funding and oversight for state transit agencies.

Dougherty said, “These cuts will hurt real people, destroy jobs, and hurt businesses of every size.”

His sponsored legislation, House Bill 1788, passed the House Transportation Committee on Wednesday afternoon despite pushback from some Republicans.

Before the vote, Republican Rep. Kerry Benninghoff said, “It is not that we’re not empathetic… For a lot of our rural members, respectful of what you guys do for our overall budget in the state, how much will be enough?”

The Republican-led state Senate has stalled on negotiating and passing the state budget, which is now five weeks past its deadline.

Senate majority leader Joe Pittman said he met with Gov. Shapiro on Wednesday and is optimistic a budget can be passed.

He also emphasized Republicans are focused on fiscally responsible measures.

New SEPTA schedules reflecting service cuts as of August 24:

Fall bus and metro schedule changes HERE

Fall Regional Rail schedule changes HERE

SEPTA officials spoke about their planned service cuts that are scheduled to go into effect this weekend.

On Friday, Aug. 22, at 10:30 a.m., SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer, SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson, SEPTA Assistant GM Frank Brandis and SEPTA Chief Officer Chris Valentin discussed their plan to help riders transition to the reduced schedules.

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

Pennsylvania lawmakers failed to reach a deal to secure funding to cover SEPTA’s $213 million budget deficit before the Aug. 14, 2025, deadline. The transit agency then moved forward with their plan to cut service by 45% and raise fares by 21.5% for approximately 800,000 daily riders. The cuts to SEPTA’s bus routes are scheduled to take place on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, the day before classes begin in the Philadelphia School District.

Those cuts include the elimination of 32 bus routes and the reduction of 88 bus routes, many of which are used by Philadelphia students.

During Friday’s press conference, Chief Lawson said staffing will be increased and they will put a higher focus on bus and trolley routes. The SEPTA leaders said riders should prepare to allow for extra time due to buses and trains that will likely be at capacity, however.

Sunday’s cuts are only the first part of SEPTA’s so-called “transit death spiral.” On Sept. 1, 2025, fares will increase for all SEPTA riders while regional rail service cuts go into effect on Sept. 2. The cuts will continue through January 2026 when SEPTA will impose a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail services.

The cuts will also impact express trains that take sports fans to and from the South Philly Sports Complex. Under the cuts, there will be fewer trains and longer wait times. SEPTA leaders said that instead of around 14 subway trains that carry roughly 17,000 fans after games, there will only be three trains the night of the season opener between the Eagles and Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday, Sept. 4.

Once the 9 p.m. curfew goes into effect on Jan. 1, there will be no trains available for fans after night games.

NBC10’s Lauren Mayk also asked Sauer what would happen if a deal for funding was reached in Harrisburg before Aug. 24. Sauer said that if a deal was reached in the next 48 hours, SEPTA would try to return to normal operations but it likely wouldn’t be at 100% by Sunday.

Earlier in the week, city officials unveiled their plan for dealing with the SEPTA cuts. They encouraged residents and commuters to avoid driving in Center City if they can. They also said the city’s Streets Department would increase staffing assignments while the Philadelphia Parking Authority would increase enforcement, focusing especially on North Broad Street.

The city also posted a map showing available parking near transit.

SEPTA is urging people to be prepared if they plan to take public transit on Friday for the Eagles Super Bowl parade.

What to know about SEPTA’s plan for Eagles Super Bowl victory parade: Fares, adjusted services, more

SEPTA is urging people to be prepared if they plan to take public transit on Friday for the Eagles Super Bowl parade.

SEPTA is urging people to be prepared if they plan to take public transit on Friday for the Eagles Super Bowl parade.

SEPTA is urging people to be prepared if they plan to take public transit on Friday for the Eagles Super Bowl parade.

SEPTA is urging people to be prepared if they plan to take public transit on Friday for the Eagles Super Bowl parade.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The countdown is on to the Eagles Super Bowl victory parade on Friday.

The Eagles will be on display for their fans from Broad Street to the Ben Franklin Parkway on Friday, and preps are already underway.

Everything you need to know for the Eagles Super Bowl parade HERE

Ahead of the celebration, SEPTA announced some adjustments to train services and fares that riders should be aware of.

The city is expecting one million people to turn out, which means getting around the city on public transit will need to be thoughtfully coordinated.

SEPTA says they are preparing to serve hundreds of thousands of riders who are expecting to use the system to travel to and from the festivities.

Transit officials urged people on Wednesday to be prepared.

“You must arrive at the station on parade day with a fare instrument in hand, either a loaded Key Card or one-day pass that we’re selling,” said SEPTA’s Interim General Manager, Scott A. Sauer.

They also said to plan to arrive early and don’t rely on your transit app to track trains.

“What we ask from our customers is patience. We can’t move everybody in at the same time, and we can’t take everybody home at the same time,” Sauer added.

SEPTA in the city

Officials say the Market-Frankford Line [ L ] and the Broad Street [ B ] lines are the best options for travel to and from the event.

Rides on both the Market-Frankford Line and the Broad Street Line will be free all day to help people get to and from the parade.

The transit agency said the bill for those rides is being footed by Kevin Hart’s tequila company Gran Coramino.

High-frequency service will be operating, with trains running every six to eight minutes beginning at 5 a.m. on Friday.

However, a limited number of stations will be open to safely move the large crowds into the city, SEPTA said.

The entire 15th Street complex will be closed, including City Hall, MFL 13th Street, Metro Trolley 13th & 15th Street, and Suburban Station on Regional Rail.

Since neither line will transport passengers to the City Hall Station, officials say to be prepared to walk.

For a map of those SEPTA stations, visit this map at SEPTA.org.

The Market-Frankford Line provides access to Center City from many suburban communities via 69th Street Transportation Center, with connections to the Norristown High Speed Line, the Routes 101 and 102 Trolley Lines (more trolley details below), as well as multiple bus routes. The L also connects to outlying points with bus and trackless trolley service at Frankford Transportation Center.

To get to the Broad Street Line, customers can connect from multiple bus routes at Fern Rock Transportation Center, Olney Transportation Center, as well as other stations.

SEPTA says they will utilize as many rail cars as possible to provide added capacity for riders.

The following stations will be open, although SEPTA says additional closures are possible depending on crowds:

Market-Frankford Line:

-Frankford Transportation Center

-Arrott Transportation Center

-Erie-Torresdale

-Allegheny

-Huntingdon

-Girard

-11th Street

-30thStreet

-40th Street

-46th Street

-52nd Street

-60th Street

-69th Street Transportation Center

Broad Street Line:

-Fern Rock Transportation Center

-Olney Transportation Center

-Erie

-North Philadelphia

-Cecil B. Moore

-Race-Vine

-Walnut-Locust

-Snyder

-Oregon

-NRG

SEPTA Regional Rail

Regional Rail lines will run on limited, modified service from 4:30 a.m. through 10:50 p.m. on Friday.

Regional trains will operate inbound-only in the morning and outbound-only after the parade.

ALSO SEE: 6 things to know if you want to take SEPTA Regional Rail to the Eagles parade

SEPTA is also offering a special $10 one-day pass. It goes on sale Wednesday and must be purchased in person at a Regional Rail Sales Office before Friday, officials said.

Passengers will also not be able to buy a ticket on any regional rail lines the day of, but your SEPTA Key Cards will work. Officials said to make sure to load your card or purchase a pass ahead of time.

Tickets will not be sold on Friday at Regional Rail stations.

Each train can hold 1,000 people. So, even with a ticket, SEPTA said service is first come, first serve. They will try to limit the number of people getting on at the first station so packed trains are not bypassing other stops.

“Like 4 or 5 a.m. I will try to get there to be the first in line for the train and be ready to go,” says Anthony Giancatarino of Downingtown, Pennsylvania.

The one-day pass will be valid for 10 rides across all modes, and if it’s not used on parade day it can be used on another date of the customer’s choosing.

Service to Center City will be available via Jefferson and 30th Street stations, which SEPTA officials note is a short walk from the parade route.

Outlying station that will be open on each line:

Airport Line: (30 minute service throughout the day)

-Eastwick

-Terminals A, B, C/D and E/F

Chestnut Hill East Line:

-Chestnut Hill East

-Wyndmoor

Chestnut Hill West Line: No train service. Customers can use Chestnut Hill East

Cynwyd Line: No train service

Fox Chase Line:

-Fox Chase Station

Lansdale/Doylestown Line:

-Doylestown

-Lansdale

-North Wales

-Ambler

-Fort Washington

Manayunk/Norristown Line:

-Elm Street

-Norristown Transportation Center

-Manayunk

Media/Wawa Line:

-Wawa

-Media

-Primos

Paoli/Thorndale Line:

-Thorndale

-Exton

-Paoli

-Wayne

-Bryn Mawr

Trenton Line:

-Trenton

-Levittown

-Cornwells Heights

Warminster Line:

-Warminster

-Jenkintown-Wyncote

West Trenton

-West Trenton

-Woodbourne

-Langhorne

-Philmont

Wilmington/Newark Line:

-Wilmington

-Marcus Hook

-Norwood

There will be no service at:

-Suburban station

-Penn Medicine station

-Temple University station

Customers are urged to arrange being dropped off at or near their station as parking will be limited and spots are expected to quickly fill up.

Other changes are planned for SEPTA services on Friday. For detailed information about transit plans, visit this page at SEPTA.org.

Bus Detours and Trolleys

Regular fares will apply for buses and trolleys.

SEPTA buses will be detoured on and around Broad Street beginning late Thursday evening.

Bus Routes 2, 4, 7, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 48, 64, 68, 79, 124, 125 and G will be detoured from their normal routes.

On Friday, Bus routes 29, 45 and 79 will be suspended; service will resume when the City street closures are lifted.

City Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13 34, and 36 will not stop at 13th or 15th Street Stations. SEPTA said additional adjustments are possible.

The Routes 101 and 103 Trolleys and the Norristown High Speed Line will stop at all station with service every 15 minutes.

CCT Paratransit will operate regular weekday service, although travel could be significantly impacted by rolling road closures and heavy pedestrian traffic, SEPTA says. If possible, SEPTA encourages customers who are planning trips for medical care facilities near the parade route to reschedule their appointments.

PATCO service changes

PATCO said it will also operate on a modified schedule for the parade.

If you’re taking PATCO into Center City from New Jersey, there will be limited service beginning as early as 4 a.m. on Friday.

From 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday, PATCO will operate westbound-only service from four New Jersey stations: Lindenwold, Woodcrest, Ferry Avenue, and City Hall, with nonstop service to 9/10th & Locust Street.

There will be no Eastbound service during this time.

Starting at 1 p.m., PATCO will transition to operating eastbound-only service from 9/10th & Locust Street. Normal service is expected to resume at 7 p.m.

For more info, visit this page at RidePATCO.org.

For those seeking to take NJ Transit, you can find more information here.

The parade begins at the Sports Complex at 11 a.m. on Friday and will culminate with a ceremony on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art at 2 p.m. The team expects the ceremony to finish at 3:15 p.m.