New State Funding Needs to be Secured by Aug. 14 to Avoid Massive Service Cuts; Schedules Reflecting 20% Reductions Effective Aug. 24 Now Available on SEPTA.org

PHILADELPHIA (August 6, 2025) – New state transit funding must be secured by Aug. 14 in order for SEPTA to avoid implementation of a 20% service cut to close a recurring budget deficit. Otherwise, SEPTA must advance efforts to ensure staff, equipment and materials for customers are ready for reduced schedules starting on Aug. 24.

SEPTA has released schedules reflecting the service cuts and is urging customers to review all of their travel options. Overall, there would be a 20% cut to all services, including the elimination of 32 bus routes and significant reductions in trips on rail modes, and an end to all special service including the Sports Express.

The implementation deadline must be set for SEPTA to have time to complete a series of critical pre-schedule change tasks. This includes finalizing work schedules for thousands of frontline workers and other staff, and ensuring equipment is in place and ready for service. Time is also needed to prepare data feeds for the SEPTA App, external feeds, digital signage, platform announcements, and bus and train marquees to ensure service information is accurate. These processes typically take a minimum of three weeks to complete for routine schedule changes, but will be compressed to less than 10 days to ensure all facets of SEPTA’s operation are ready for new schedules on Aug. 24.

“Our planning and operations staff have worked hard to compress the timeline for pre-schedule change work, but we cannot push it beyond Aug. 14,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “If funding is not secured by then, these painful service cuts will go into effect on Aug. 24.”

The Aug. 24 service cuts would be the first of several steps SEPTA will take this year to fill a $213 million budget deficit, absent a legislative solution. Additional measures will quickly follow, including a 21.5% fare increase on Sept. 1 and a complete hiring freeze later in that month. A second wave of service cuts on Jan. 1 will include the elimination of five Regional Rail Lines, a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail services, and the elimination of 18 additional bus routes to achieve an overall 45% reduction in service. Those are steps needed to balance this year’s budget without new funding. Additional cuts would follow in subsequent years.

“At that point, we will be left with no other choice but to begin dismantling the SEPTA system,” Sauer said. “Tens of thousands of people or more will be left with no viable public transportation options.”

SEPTA has worked to create two sets of schedules for all service modes – one set of schedules based on current service levels and another set reflecting the 20% cuts. The Authority has also put up signs at the 3,000 bus stops across the system that will be eliminated as of Aug. 24, and has met with officials at the School District of Philadelphia, where tens of thousands of students need to find other ways to get to school, which begins the next day on Aug. 25.

“We remain optimistic that a funding agreement can be reached by August 14,” Sauer said. “We will continue working with lawmakers in any way we can to help get this over the finish line.”
Schedules reflecting the service cuts are available here:

Bus & Metro: septa.org/news/bus-metro-fall-schedules/

Regional Rail: septa.org/news/regional-rail-fall-schedules/
In addition to the new timetables, SEPTA encourages customers to use the online Trip Planner to find alternate routes when possible.

For more information about SEPTA, visit septa.org, follow @SEPTA, or download the official SEPTA app.

Without state legislative action on a permanent funding solution, SEPTA is unable to maintain its current service levels. In order to close the structural operating budget deficit, SEPTA is forced to cut nearly half of its service, reducing service levels across the region and eliminating dozens of routes. Initial service cuts will go into effect late August 2025 with additional cuts going into effect January 2026.

How will your route be impacted? Click HERE to visit SEPTA’s website for details.

While we await final state action on critical transit funding—SEPTA staff are currently finalizing two sets of schedules for all service modes: one set of schedules based on current service levels and another set reflecting 20% service cuts.

The Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget approved by the SEPTA Board last month includes systemwide service reductions of 45%, a 21.5% fare increase, and other measures that are needed to balance a $213 million recurring budget deficit without passage of adequate new state funding for public transportation.

SEPTA is grateful for the ongoing efforts of the region’s legislative delegation who are fighting tirelessly to enact the Governor’s transit funding plan that would prevent those drastic measures from taking effect and ensure SEPTA and transit agencies across Pennsylvania have the resources needed to maintain vital service.

While we await final state action on this critical transit funding—the start of SEPTA’s fiscal year on July 1, 2025 set in motion planning and preparations that SEPTA must take to ready operations for the drastic changes that will potentially begin on August 24. Many of these actions have been occurring behind the scenes but in the coming days and weeks—this work will intensify and become more public.

We know you are following this situation closely and we wanted to make sure you are aware of the timeline for this work:

Staff are currently finalizing two sets of schedules for all service modes—one set of schedules based on current service levels and another set reflecting a 20% across the board service cut. Both sets of schedules will be sent for printing.

Week of July 21: Frontline Bus, Metro, and Regional Rail operators across the Authority will pick their shifts for the two different schedules.

Beginning as early as July 23: Staff will start installing signage at bus stops throughout the region notifying customers of discontinued routes and eliminated stops.

Week of August 4: Fall service schedules will be publicly released.

Week of August 4 thru August 24 and beyond: Intense public outreach to customers advising them of specific service changes and how they will impact their ability to travel.

It is important to understand that implementing the reduced service plan and properly notifying the public of these changes takes time. While the new schedules will take effect on August 24—necessary steps are already underway.

As full implementation of service reductions nears—it will be difficult to reverse before the new schedules begin.

Information on the service reduction plan and route specific details are available on SEPTA’s website at https://wwww.septa.org/fundingcrisis/service-cuts/.  Information on service impacts on schools and universities is available at  https://wwww.septa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SEPTA-FundingCrisis_SchoolImpacts.pdf

Today, in keeping with Governor Shapiro’s commitment to safety on Pennsylvania roads, the Shapiro Administration urged drivers to put down the phone while driving, ahead of the June 5 effective date for “Paul Miller’s Law,” which makes it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), and Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) joined Senator Rosemary Brown and national advocate Eileen Miller to urge drivers to make safe choices behind the wheel.

As part of his mission to provide a safe transportation system for all Pennsylvanians, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 37 into law on June 5, 2024. Effective June 5, 2025, the law – known as “Paul Miller’s Law” – prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other momentary delay. Pennsylvania already enforces a texting-while-driving ban that prohibits drivers from using mobile devices to send, read, or write text-based communications while their vehicle is in motion. Beginning June 5, 2025, law enforcement will begin issuing written warnings for violations of Senate Bill 37. Law enforcement will have the ability to issue summary citations to violators beginning June 6, 2026.

“Paul Miller’s Law is about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever. Make the safe choice. Put your phone out of reach and don’t text and drive. One text, one glance down – it could kill someone. And it’s not worth it.”

Under Paul Miller’s Law, drivers can still use their phones to alert emergency responders and, if they are using hands-free technology, to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to attend a live virtual public meeting on Wednesday, June 18, for the upcoming project to improve traffic operations and install Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) devices along a 10-mile section of U.S. 1 (Media Bypass/State Road) from Schoolhouse Lane in Concord Township, to just west of Weymouth Road in Springfield Township, Delaware County.

The proposed ITS improvements include the installation of 14 closed-circuit TV cameras, four changeable digital messaging signs, and underground fiber optics and power connections along the U.S. 1 corridor.

This project will also improve travel and safety at the Route 252 (Providence Road) and U.S. 1 Interchange by removing the raised concrete median to construct a designated left-turn lane from Route 252 (Providence Road) to U.S. 1 (Media Bypass).

As part of PennDOT’s project outreach, the department encourages the public to attend the live virtual public meeting on Wednesday, June 18, beginning at 7:00 PM, by clicking on this Microsoft Live Teams meeting link prior to the presentation start time. The department’s design team will deliver a project presentation before opening the meeting to questions using the platform’s Q&A feature.

Please note that internet access or a computer or mobile device are required to view the virtual meeting. Anyone with special needs or requiring special aid is requested to contact PennDOT Project Manager Madeleine Fausto at 610-205-6848, or PennDOT Design Project Manager Brian Lapinsky at 443-330-5505.

Members of the public who are unable to attend the online meeting can view the recording and a copy of the materials on the project webpage following the presentation. The public can also provide feedback using the online comment form.

PennDOT Invites Public to Attend Open House Plans Display for the Route 452 (Market Street) Improvement Project at the I-95 Interchange in Upper Chichester Township

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to attend an Open House Plans Display to learn about the proposed project to improve travel and safety on Route 452 (Market Street) at the Interstate 95 interchange in Upper Chichester Township, Delaware County.

The Open House Plans Display will be available to the public for viewing on Monday, June 9, through Friday, June 20, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Upper Chichester Township Building at 8500 Furey Road, Upper Chichester, PA 19014.

The purpose of the Open House is to update the community on this proposed travel and safety improvement project and to gather comments and feedback.

If you have questions or have special needs requiring assistance to attend the Open House dates, please contact PennDOT Design Project Manager Judith Arena.

For more information, visit the Route 452 (Market Street) and I-95 Interchange Improvements Project webpage.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

The week promotes simple steps to reduce air pollution.

National Air Quality Awareness Week is May 5-9, 2025. It marks the beginning of the ozone season, when the Greater Philadelphia region typically begins to experience poor air quality from high levels of ground-level ozone. This type of ozone forms when summer heat “bakes” exhaust from vehicles, producing an invisible but dangerous chemical in our air. This pollutant damages healthy lungs, makes people more susceptible to lung infections, and makes it even harder for people with lung disease to breathe.

The good news is that everyone can help prevent air pollution and protect their community’s health. National Air Quality Awareness Week kicks off efforts to reduce summertime air pollution by calling attention to important air quality issues and promoting actions individuals can take to make a difference.

Throughout ozone season, DVRPC will share alerts for Air Quality Action Days, which are days when the air quality is predicted to be poor and may require people to take action. In addition to recognizing Air Quality Action Days due to ground-level ozone, DVRPC and the Air Quality Partnership also share alerts due to particle pollution (also known as particulate matter). In June 2023, the Greater Philadelphia region experienced poor air quality issues when smoke from wildfires in eastern Canada flowed south. While ozone pollution is mostly invisible, this episode of high particle pollution could be seen as the minute ashes from the burning material filled the air.

The daily air quality forecast includes alerts for poor air quality as a result of either pollutant and suggests voluntary actions each of us can take to help reduce the pollution and protect each other. To reduce air pollution, we all can:

• Be aware of the air quality. It’s important for everyone, especially those with lung conditions, to know when air quality is poor. Check the daily forecast at airqualitypartnership.org or check your local news station. Many news sites include the air quality forecast with the weather forecast.
• Make small changes. Little things – like combining errands that require driving – can make a big impact. Limit and combine essential car trips to save time, money, and the environment.
• Try other modes of transportation – and maybe save some money, too. Public transit offers a safe and affordable way to get to where you’re going. Additionally, active transportation, like walking or biking, is good for the air and your health. Try to avoid strenuous outdoor activities on days where air quality is poor.
• Consolidate package deliveries. When making purchases online, consolidate your packages into a single delivery and choose “no rush” shipping. This reduces the number of delivery vehicles and the pollution they may cause.
• Don’t top off your gas tank. If you are filling up, don’t top off your tank. Fumes from spillage add two tons of pollution to the air each day. Also, try to re-fuel early in the day or after dusk when the sun is not as strong.
• Maintain your car. A well-maintained vehicle emits less pollution and saves gas. Properly inflated tires improve your gas mileage by 3 percent, while regular oil changes improve your gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent.

The Air Quality Partnership, a program of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), is a coalition of public and private organizations from New Jersey and Pennsylvania that work collaboratively to educate the public about ways to improve the region’s air quality. On days when air quality is forecast to be unhealthy, the Partnership declares an Air Quality Action Day and asks the public to take voluntary actions to protect their health and reduce pollution levels.

To see the daily air quality forecast and sign up for alerts, visit www.airqualitypartnership.org.

Spanish Resources

The Air Quality Partnership website and educational resources are available in Spanish. Visit www.airqualitypartnership.org and click on “Para Espanol.”

Educational Tools for Teachers

The Air Quality Partnership also offers tools for educators, including an interactive workbook to educate third to fifth grade students about air quality and its impacts on health. The book’s activities include identifying sources of air pollution, solving basic math problems, and using the daily air quality forecast to monitor conditions. The workbook and the teacher’s guide are available at www.airqualitypartnership.org.

About the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

DVRPC is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the bi-state, nine county Greater Philadelphia region, which includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer in New Jersey.

Shuttle Bus Substitution for Media-Sharon Hill Line [D]

Bus service replaces all trolley service on the Media-Sharon Hill Line [D] between 69th Street Transit Center to Media and Sharon Hill stations until Sunday, March 2 due to a bridge rehabilitation project. Regular trolley service resumes start of service day Monday, March 3.

Eastbound (towards 69th Street Transit Center) Bus Service

Buses depart Media or Sharon Hill Station according to the regular schedule. Passengers should add approximately 15 minutes to their travel time and look for signage at stations for bus boarding locations.

Westbound (towards Media or Sharon Hill) Bus Service

Buses depart 69th Street Transit Center according to the regular schedule. Passengers should add approximately 15 minutes to their travel time and look for signage at stations for bus boarding locations.

Customer service (215-580-7800) is open Monday – Friday from 7 am to 7 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am – 5 pm to answer questions and provide assistance.

🦅🏈 EAGLES Super Bowl Parade Service Plan Released 🏈🦅

The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions and SEPTA is gearing up to take the hundreds of thousands of fans to the parade on Friday, February 14.

To accommodate the crowds expected to travel into Center City to watch the team parade the Lombardi Trophy from Lincoln Financial Field to the celebration at the Philadelphia Museum, SEPTA will be making service adjustments across all modes. Full parade service plan details – including service options, Regional Rail schedules, and fare information – are posted on SEPTA’s website at https://wwww.septa.org/news/super-bowl-parade/ .

Customers are reminded to Plan Ahead *  Be Patient *  Be Safe

As excited as SEPTA is to serve the fans traveling into the City for the parade, we know the region’s many essential workers, such as hospital staff, rely on SEPTA. Most rail stations that serve major medical institutions will be open throughout the service day. Riders traveling for work should plan for additional travel time and check the SEPTA service plan to make sure they are boarding the correct line.

SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS

SEPTA is consolidating stops on the Market-Frankford and Broad Street Lines and Regional Rail to run express-style service to-and-from Center City Stations.

Market-Frankford Line [L] and Broad Street Line [B]:

The Market-Frankford [L] and Broad Street [B] Lines are the best bets for getting to-and-from the parade route. Thanks to a sponsorship agreement with Gran Coramino tequila, rides will be free on both lines.

Service will run every 6-to-8 minutes starting at approximately 5:00 AM, providing frequent service throughout the day. SEPTA is limiting the number of stations being served during parade service to safely move the large crowds into the city. A service map and list of open stations is posted on the Eagles Super Bowl Parade page.

Regional Rail:

On Regional Rail, SEPTA will operate limited-stop service to and from select outlying stations and Center City Philadelphia. This service plan allows SEPTA to maximize train capacity and manage passenger volume, and it is based on service that proved successful for the Eagles parade in 2018.

In the morning, Regional Rail will run inbound service (to Center City) from approximately 4:30 AM to 10:50 AM (there will be no outbound service during this time). In the afternoon, Regional Rail will operate outbound service (to outlying stations) from approximately 2:00 PM to after 10:30 PM (there will be no inbound service during this time).

A list of stations being served and schedules for each Regional Rail Line are posted on the Eagles Super Bowl Parade page.

Please Note: The Airport Line will operate hourly INBOUND & OUTBOUND service all day between Philadelphia International Airport and William H. Gray III 30^th Street Station.

Trolley [T] & [D] and Norristown High Speed Line [M]:

The six (6) City Trolley Routes will serve limited stations to manage passenger volume.

Route 101 & 102 Trolley Routes [D] and the Norristown High Speed Line [M] will be serving all stations; however, operations staff will make adjustments as conditions warrant.

SEPTA Bus:

SEPTA buses will be detoured off and around Broad Street beginning late Thursday evening. Real time information will alco be available on the System Alerts page.

FARES

Travel on the Market-Frankford [L] and Broad Street [B] Lines will be free thanks to a sponsorship agreement with Gran Coramino tequila.

Regular fares will apply to all services other than the Market-Frankford [L] and Broad Street [B] Lines. Customers using buses and trolleys can use cash, Key cards, passes and contactless methods including debit and credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

On Regional Rail, customers can use Key cards, passes, or purchase a Special One-Day Pass for the parade. The Special One-Day Pass, which costs $10, goes on sale Wednesday, February 12, must be purchased before Friday. If not used on Parade Day, the Special One-Day Pass can be used on another date of the customer’s choosing. Here is a list of Regional Rail Ticket Office Locations.

Please Note: Regional Rail fares cannot be purchased on the day of the parade. Customers are reminded to load their Key Card or purchase a pass ahead of time.

PLAN AHEAD – STAY CONNECTED

Customers are encouraged to plan ahead by visiting the Eagles Super Bowl Parade page at https://wwww.septa.org/news/super-bowl-parade/ for service details, schedules and fare information.

Real time information will also be available on the System Alerts page and n SEPTA’s social media accounts.

Customers are encouraged to view the alerts, advisories and detours section of SEPTA.org. For real time service news, follow SEPTA @SEPTA, @septa_social or @SEPTA_BSL.

Drexeline Station Bridge Replacement Project
Route 101 Trolley Shuttle Bus Substitution
69th St. Transportation Center to Media
Saturday, February 15th through the end of service Sunday, March 2nd

As part of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) capital
improvement program, SEPTA will be conducting a bridge rehabilitation project just south
of Drexeline Station on the Route 101.

To complete this project, our employees and contractors will need to shut down the Route
101 Trolley for two weeks beginning with the first train Saturday morning, February
15th through the end of service Sunday, March 2nd.

Throughout this outage, SEPTA shuttle buses will replace all Route 101 Trolleys between
69th Street Transportation Center and end of line Media (Orange Street) Station. Customers
should plan for approximately 15 minutes of additional travel time and look for signage at
stations for bus boarding locations.

SEPTA is committed to providing safe, reliable service to our customers and the communities we serve, and this shuttle bus substitution is necessary to allow SEPTA and third-party forces to
safely remove and replace both tracks and the inbound bridge girders along the Route 101 Trolley Line.

*Route 102 will run as scheduled