SEPTA’s financial struggles have intensified, with the transit authority projecting a significant $213 million deficit for the upcoming year.
In response, SEPTA has drafted a drastic budget proposal, referred to as its doomsday budget, which includes severe service cuts that could affect thousands of commuters across the region.
The proposed cuts include a 20% reduction in overall service, the elimination of roughly 50 bus routes, and diminished service on 88 additional routes and Regional Rail lines.
Moreover, the budget suggests a 20% increase in fares, raising the standard fare from $2.50 to $2.90, along with the imposition of a nightly curfew that would halt all SEPTA operations by 9 p.m.
During a recent budget hearing with Philadelphia City Council, Scott Sauer, interim general manager of SEPTA, conveyed to council members that the funding proposed in Mayor Cherelle Parker’s 2026 budget—amounting to $135 million for operating costs and $9 million for capital expenses—falls short of bridging the agency’s significant financial gap.
This situation is not new for SEPTA.
Earlier this year, Governor Josh Shapiro transferred $150 million in federal highway funds to help stave off some of the more severe measures outlined in the doomsday budget.
Additionally, Governor Shapiro has put forth a funding plan for transit systems throughout Pennsylvania, which has received approval multiple times from the House but remains stalled in the Senate due to a Republican majority.
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman noted the challenges in persuading constituents in rural Pennsylvania to support substantial investments in mass transit, emphasizing the critical need for discussions around local government contributions to state transit subsidies.
However, City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier pointed out that much of the taxpayer funding for SEPTA comes from Philadelphia itself, stressing that for many residents in her district, public transit is not a luxury but rather a necessity.
“I represent the only council district where a majority of residents do not drive to work,” Gauthier said.
She further argued against the notion held by some Republican lawmakers that taxpayers outside Philadelphia should not financially support the agency because they supposedly do not benefit from it.
Gauthier highlighted that Philadelphia, despite comprising only 5% of Pennsylvania’s landmass, generates nearly 40% of the state’s tax revenue, asserting that the city serves as an economic powerhouse for the entire state.
Events like the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the MLB All-Star Game, as well as celebrations for the nation’s 250th birthday, exemplify Philadelphia’s status as a critical destination, drawing visitors and revenue alike.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson suggested to Sauer that a personal visit to Republican leaders in Harrisburg might be beneficial in advocating for increased support for SEPTA.
“Not a consultant, not the chamber— you should lead that charge to show how critically important SEPTA is to the region,” Johnson stated during the hearing.
While supportive of the idea, it remains questionable whether such a trip would yield meaningful results, given the historical reluctance of the State House to prioritize Philadelphia’s needs.
The situation underscores the pressing need for state legislators to recognize the significance of SEPTA and other mass transit systems across Pennsylvania.
In conclusion, without adequate funding and support from the state, the future of SEPTA—and by extension, many of its riders—remains uncertain, signaling a stark warning for both the agency and the broader community that relies on its services.
The views expressed in this article reflect the author’s opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of The Philadelphia Sunday SUN or its affiliates.
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