SEPTA is advocating for increased state funding after reporting rising rider satisfaction and a decline in crime, emphasizing the need to avoid significant service cuts.
In the first quarter of this year, a survey revealed that overall satisfaction with the agency reached a score of 3.5 out of 5, marking the highest level since the agency began collecting feedback two years ago.
Scott Sauer, SEPTA’s general manager, highlighted the importance of these findings, stating, “These survey results show that we are prioritizing what matters most to our riders.”
Despite facing a historic funding crisis, SEPTA officials believe their focus on safety, reliability, and cleanliness has contributed to this increased satisfaction.
The survey asked participants to evaluate various aspects of the SEPTA experience, including employee courtesy, service reliability, cleanliness, security, and the ease of travel.
Previously, overall satisfaction scores had been consistently lower, hovering between 3.2 and 3.3.
Meanwhile, crime statistics show a notable decrease, with serious crime down in seven of eight categories this year, following a substantial 33% reduction in offenses in 2024.
In particular, the agency’s transit police have increased the issuance of citations for fare evasion by 74% in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year.
Additionally, there has been a rise in the issuance of citations related to tobacco and marijuana usage among riders.
To enhance cleanliness, SEPTA has expanded its cleaning workforce by 150 positions since 2021, increasing the total to over 700.
New teams are now responsible for cleaning Market-Frankford Line cars and buses mid-route, as well as conducting comprehensive deep cleanings at stations.
However, SEPTA continues to face challenges, notably delays and cancellations largely attributed to a driver shortage stemming from the early pandemic period.
In response, the agency reported that hiring rates for bus operators have surged by 43% this year, averaging nearly 60 new hires each month.
Despite these setbacks, Regional Rail services have seen improvements, with on-time performance rising to 87%, up from 81% in the previous schedule period.
Ridership has also experienced an upswing, with an average of over 768,000 trips per day in May 2025, reflecting a 7% increase from May 2024.
Despite these promising developments, the continued success of SEPTA hinges on securing additional funding from Pennsylvania lawmakers.
The authority’s board recently approved a budget that anticipates slashing services by 45% and significantly increasing fare prices to address a $213 million fiscal gap.
This shortfall has been attributed to the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds coupled with rising operational costs, a challenge shared by transit agencies statewide and across the country.
If new state funding is not secured, SEPTA plans to implement significant service changes starting on August 24, which will include the elimination of 32 bus routes, shortening 16 others, discontinuing Sports Express trains, and reducing the frequency of both Regional Rail and subway lines.
Additionally, a 21.5% fare hike is set for September 1, raising the base fare for buses, trolleys, and subways from $2.50 to $2.90.
This increase would position Philadelphia alongside New York City as having the highest transit fares in the nation according to SEPTA.
Further cuts will follow on January 1, with plans to eliminate five Regional Rail lines, an additional 18 bus routes, and the Broad-Ridge Spur, along with curtailing all rail service to a 9 p.m. curfew.
Although some proposals aimed at boosting transit funding have advanced through the state legislature, support from the Republican majority in the state Senate remains lacking.
As negotiations continue, SEPTA urges the necessary parties to reach a funding agreement to avert the planned service reductions.
image source from：metrophiladelphia
