The No. 12 bus route, which connects West Philadelphia to Old City, has made its final runs as part of SEPTA’s significant service cuts, impacting hundreds of riders who relied on it for their daily commutes and activities.
On Saturday, the bus route’s closure brought a wave of sadness and concern among passengers, many of whom were left uncertain about their future transportation options.
Zellette Burdine, who has driven the No. 12 bus every Saturday for several months, noted the emotional atmosphere among riders as they bid farewell to their reliable means of transport.
Burdine expressed that the issue at hand is not merely about the bus line itself but reflects a larger concern about public transit and the underlying funding challenges facing SEPTA.
“You just hear them all day saying that, ‘We got to say bye to the 12, this is real. We hope the funding goes through so we can bring the line back,'” said Burdine, highlighting the route’s popularity among both residents and visitors.
Abigail Cruz and her young daughter were among those who felt the sting of the bus’s removal acutely.
As they waited for the No. 12, Cruz emphasized that the bus served as their only means of transportation since they do not own a car.
“It’s going to affect us a lot because it’s the only transportation we commute on,” she stated, aware that other bus routes and alternative transportation might not offer the same ease of access for their needs.
Notably, Cruz also pointed out the potential consequences for her daughter’s medical appointments at the Children’s Hospital, as she expressed concern about the reliability of bus routes remaining after the cuts.
The cuts affected not just individuals but families and communities who depend on reliable transit for everyday activities, from educational events to healthcare visits.
Kristin Auer, a 26-year-old resident, was saddened by the No. 12’s closure because it served as an easy way for her to cross the city.
Feeling the loss of a familiar service, Auer said, “It feels like a piece of Philadelphia is being cut from us,” capturing the dismay many residents and transit users are feeling amidst these changes.
For older residents like Veronica Ricks, the cuts represent a significant inconvenience to those already facing mobility challenges.
Ricks noted that many seniors rely on the No. 12 for essential errands and medical appointments and expressed concern for those who may struggle to adapt to the new transportation landscape.
Carl Washington, who often took the No. 12 for evangelism classes, lamented the need to transfer between multiple bus lines, which would undoubtedly increase the burden on older riders.
“It’s not good for the physical body when you have to get up and down off of more than one transportation,” Washington said, highlighting the physical toll that such changes could impose.
As the closure looms large, many riders voiced doubts about SEPTA’s ability to provide reliable alternatives.
Matthew Miller, a teacher at a Kensington charter school, reflected on how the cuts would impact his students, particularly those coming from West Philadelphia.
Miller feared a drop in student attendance due to the loss of convenient transportation, stating, “Are they going to be able to get to school?”
He noted the anxiety surrounding the first day of school on Monday, warning, “It’s gonna be awful” for students relying on the now-defunct service.
For many residents, the loss of the No. 12 bus route signifies more than just changes to their daily commutes; it unveils systemic issues within the transit system that may undermine the mobility and access critical to their quality of life.
Riders and community members, including those in Delco, Chesco, Montco, and Bucks, have rallied together to voice their concerns and advocate for better public transportation funding, emphasizing that without accessible transit, the livelihoods and opportunities for many within these communities hang in the balance.
As SEPTA faces increased scrutiny over its funding and service decisions, local media outlets like WHYY News are called upon to amplify the voices of suburban commuters and provide deeper insights into the continuing challenges facing public transportation in the Philadelphia region.
In losing the No. 12 bus, riders like Cruz and Washington are deeply aware that the impacts are far-reaching, foretold to disrupt daily life in ways that will take time to realize fully.
As public hearings and advocacy efforts continue to emerge, the hope remains that communities will come together champion improvements to the public transportation system, restoring essential services that connect families, workers, and students to the resources and opportunities they need.
With the future of public transit hanging in the balance, residents are left grappling with uncertainty, remembering the routes that once brought them closer to their destinations.
image source from：whyy
