The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority announced its board had voted to approve its 2026 operating budget that cuts service nearly in half amid recurring budget deficits.
SEPTA’s board approved its budget for next fiscal year, which includes austerity measures to save more than $30 million over its 2025 budget. Despite cuts, the agency has said it faces a $213 million budget deficit. To address that, in August, the agency will eliminate 32 bus routes and make reductions in trips on all rail services, including the end of special services like Sports Express. On Sept. 1, the agency will implement an average 21.5 percent fare increase for all riders, making the new base fare for Bus and Metro trips $2.90.
“This is a vote none of us wanted to take,” SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr. said. “We have worked hard as an Authority to prevent this day from coming because we understand the impact it will have on our customers and the communities we serve. To be clear, this does not have to happen – if state lawmakers can reach an agreement to deliver sufficient, new funding for public transit.”
SEPTA said it will also implement a hiring freeze, including bus operators, and on Jan. 1, will further the service cuts with the elimination of five Regional Rail line, more bus routes and the start of a 9 p.m. curfew on all remaining services.
“This budget will effectively dismantle SEPTA – leaving the City and region without the frequent, reliable transit service that has been an engine of economic growth, mobility, and opportunity,” SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer said. “Once this dismantlement begins, it will be almost impossible to reverse, and the economic and social impacts will be immediate and long-lasting for all Pennsylvanians – whether they ride SEPTA or not.”
Officials said SEPTA is required by law to pass a balanced Operating Budget prior to the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. The agency said its only options were to raise fares and cut costs by eliminating services and reducing its workforce.