For many seniors in Philadelphia, public transportation is not just a convenience; it is a lifeline to independence and community engagement. Robert Lange, an 80-year-old resident of Mt. Airy, takes the 23 bus to Chestnut Hill, where he transfers to either the 97 or 51 bus. His journey continues with a scenic 5.3-mile hike along the Wissahickon trail, culminating in a ride home on the Tulpehocken train. With a SEPTA 65+ card, Lange enjoys free travel, and these excursions serve to keep his mind and body active, fostering both exploration of the city and social interactions with others. He reflects on how this access is crucial, stating, “It becomes a strategy, that card, of staying interested and involved with intellectual challenges, emotionally with what a beautiful city this is, and physically staying healthy.”
However, looming cuts to SEPTA services threaten to disrupt the crucial transportation options that many seniors rely on. This fall, proposed reductions could include the elimination of five train lines, altered bus and metro schedules, and a cessation of services after 9 p.m. These changes could severely impact older Philadelphia residents, many of whom no longer drive and depend on public transit to access essential services, such as healthcare, food, and community activities. In neighborhoods like Northwest Philadelphia, where the Chestnut Hill West line is at risk, the prospect of losing walkable access to these services poses a significant threat.
Norine Berenz, a Chestnut Hill resident who moved to Philadelphia in 2018 to be closer to her grandchildren, is among those who will be affected. For five decades, she has refrained from driving, relying on SEPTA to reach critical healthcare services, grocery stores, and visit friends in assisted living. “It helps me to be able to get to where I need to go independently,” Berenz emphasizes, highlighting not only her need for transport but also her role in enhancing community ties by bringing others along on her journeys.
Berenz often travels with Lange on the “El” line to trendy neighborhoods like Fishtown and Northern Liberties. Both are members of the Northwest Village Network, an organization geared toward helping seniors maintain their independence and quality of life. Although the network offers limited community-supported ride services, access to reliable public transport remains vital.
SEPTA’s paratransit services are also under scrutiny. The SEPTA Access program, which provides transportation for individuals unable to utilize fixed routes, has been in operation since before the ADA’s passage, according to Cassandra West, Assistant Chief Operating Officer for SEPTA Access. Rides must be reserved at least a day in advance, and while they are designed to accommodate a wide range of travel needs, cutting paratransit service by as much as 45% is on the table, mirroring proposed reductions to standard fixed routes.
West’s team is actively working to inform riders about alternate transport options. This includes outreach to local agencies to ensure that vulnerable populations, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, understand the implications of the service reductions. As Berenz notes, the gap between seniors’ mobility needs and available options is narrowing, and with potential cuts, many could find themselves struggling more than ever to reach essential services.
For example, Berenz raised the issue of home healthcare workers, who might find it increasingly difficult to reach clients if public transport options are curtailed. She also pointed out that the restrictions could inadvertently expand the number of seniors qualifying for ADA paratransit, as service cuts could mean fewer accessible fixed routes nearby. To help others navigate this cluster of challenges, Berenz initiated “Cafe Society” meetings—gatherings where she teaches friends how to use SEPTA routes, emphasizing the importance of community learning. She noted that while technology has advanced with navigation apps, many seniors still struggle to use these tools effectively.
In the SEPTA Access office, occupational therapists are dedicated to ensuring that public transport routes remain as accessible as possible. They encourage riders to check out resources like the PennDOT’s Find My Ride website, which assists in finding transportation programs and fare reductions. Additionally, transits in paratransit have shown some increase, with about 4,000 trips recorded each day, although ridership has not yet rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.
Public sentiment toward train travel, particularly in environmentally-conscious circles, underscores its importance beyond mere convenience. Lawrence Souder, a retired professor, shared his perspective on why he prefers the train. After two decades commuting to Drexel University, he views public transport as a means of building community rather than the isolation that comes with driving. “When you’re on the highway going to work, it’s very isolating,” Souder remarked. Facing budget constraints, ongoing legislative decisions affecting SEPTA often overlook the interconnectedness of urban and suburban stakeholders, which has significant implications even for rural areas.
Berenz echoed Souder’s sentiment, stressing that SEPTA is a regional system affecting everyone in the greater Philadelphia area, not just urban dwellers. As a regular user herself, she frequently travels to neighboring counties for necessary services and is acutely aware of how the proposed cuts could limit mobility for her and other seniors.
Another resident, 75-year-old Marlene Sider from Wyndmoor, expressed concerns about what SEPTA’s potential cuts would mean for the arts in the city. As a regular patron of shows in Center City, she relies on public transport for her social life and access to cultural events. The proposed cut-off of service after 9 p.m. could force her to miss out on events or incur high taxi fares to get home. “For the arts, for seniors, for parking, for availability or accessibility to goods and services, we need SEPTA, and we need a well-functioning SEPTA so that we know if we’re waiting, the bus is actually going to come,” she voiced, lamenting the already unreliable nature of current bus schedules.
Sider reminisced about her belief that living in Philadelphia would eliminate her need for a car. She’s navigated 75% of the bus lines and is well aware of the frequent service cuts that SEPTA faces annually due to a significant structural budget deficit. However, she highlighted that this year’s proposed cuts are unprecedented in their severity and reach, raising alarm for current users.
As for Cassandra West, she acknowledges the far-reaching implications of service reductions on a vulnerable demographic. “These service reductions are not something we want to see, and we recognize how hard this is on the riders we serve, especially vulnerable populations like our older adults and our people with disabilities,” she affirmed. The stress on SEPTA to innovate and find alternative solutions amid funding issues and operational constraints has never been more pertinent.
Ultimately, for seniors in Philadelphia, the impending cuts to SEPTA present a precarious situation for their daily lives and overall well-being. Whether for socialization, essential errands, or cultural engagement, the impact of these changes will be felt far and wide, raising questions about the future accessibility of public transportation in a region where many rely on it to thrive.
image source from：chestnuthilllocal
