Regional Rail Service Cuts and Systemwide Fare Increases Begin Next Week, September 1st

Without the approval of new state funding for transit, SEPTA is moving forward with a 21.5% fare increase on September 1 and new Regional Rail schedules on September 2 that reflect 20% service cuts. These follow the 20% service cuts to bus and Metro trips that started on August 24. A full hiring freeze will also roll out on September 1, and additional service cuts – including the suspension of five (5) Regional Rail lines and a 9:00 PM curfew on all remaining Metro and Regional Rail service – will go into effect on January 1, bringing the total service cuts in FY 2026 to 45%.

FARE INCREASE – September 1

The fare increase beginning on September 1 will raise fares an average of 21.5% across all modes and fare instruments.  The new base fare for Bus and Metro trips will be $2.90 – tying New York’s MTA for the highest in the country.  Weekly and monthly TransPasses for Bus and Metro will now cost 21% more while monthly Zone 2, 3 and Anywhere TrailPasses for Regional Rail will increase 25%. The cost of a one-way Paratransit trip on SEPTA Access will increase $1.50 to $5.75.

·       Fare Increase Details on SEPTA.org: https://wwww.septa.org/fundingcrisis/fare-increases/

·       Social Media Posts:

o   Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ISEPTAPHILLY/posts/pfbid02u6bGBRs

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o   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/septaphilly/p/DN5eF9MAQ-n/

Regional Rail Service Reductions – September 2

Regional Rail customers are reminded that beginning Tuesday, September 2, service on all Lines will be operating on average with 20% fewer daily trains, and most express and limited stop service has been eliminated.  Riders will see significant reductions in trips on all lines, longer commute times, and more crowded conditions on board trains.  Customers should allow for extra travel time and check the new schedules and trip planning tools before traveling.

·       Regional Rail Schedules Effective Tuesday, September 2: https://wwww.septa.org/news/regional-rail-fall-schedules/

·       Social Media Posts:

o   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1114108154027410

o   X / Twitter: https://x.com/SEPTAPHILLY/status/1961171937025298650

o   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/septaphilly/reel/DN8C4bKgTyg/

Update on Bus Service – Augmented service on certain routes serving students

Service cuts of 20% on Bus and Metro went into effect on Sunday and Monday, August 24 & 25. With this initial phase of service cuts, 32 Bus Routes were eliminated and another 16 were shortened.  Most service on remaining routes is operating with fewer buses and longer headways.  Customers can find routing and schedule information at https://wwww.septa.org/news/bus-metro-fall-schedules/.

Yesterday, the City of Philadelphia and SEPTA reached agreement on a funding plan that will allow SEPTA to augment service on routes that serve a significant number of students and to alleviate crowding that led to rider pass-ups during the first week of service cuts. The plan will use a portion of extra operating subsidy the City of Philadelphia has paid to SEPTA in FY26.

Ø  Starting Tuesday, September 2: Bus Routes 14, 20, 23, 26, 47, 63, 67, 70, 82 and Metro Rail lines T2 (Route 34) and T5 (Route 36) will be augmented with extra service

Ø  Starting in Mid-September: To support student travel, service will be restored on the 84, 88 and six (6) 400-Series routes (452, 461, 462, 476, 478, 484).  Service on Route 31 will be restored from Overbrook Park to 63^rd & Market Streets.  Information about these changes and new schedules for these routes will be posted on SEPTA.org

·       Service Cuts Overview: https://wwww.septa.org/fundingcrisis/service-cuts/

·       Rider Guide: https://wwww.septa.org/wp-content/uploads/post/communication/August-2025-SEPTA-Service-Cuts-Rider-Guide.pdf

·       School & University Guide: https://wwww.septa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SEPTA-FundingCrisis_SchoolImpacts.pdf

·       Reduced Bus & Metro Schedules (August 24 & 25): https://wwww.septa.org/news/bus-metro-fall-schedules/

·       Reduced Regional Rail Schedules (September 2): https://wwww.septa.org/news/regional-rail-fall-schedules/

·       Fare Increase Information: https://wwww.septa.org/fundingcrisis/fare-increases/

·       Funding Crisis Overview: https://wwww.septa.org/fundingcrisis/

Additional Resources – Customers should bookmark and follow the below sites and social media accounts for updates on service and other SEPTA news.

·       Customer Service: Customers can always obtain service and other information from SEPTA Customer Service online at https://wwww.septa.org/customer-service/ or by calling 215-580-7800.

·       SEPTA’s website: https://www.septa.org/ and https://wwww.septa.org/fundingcrisis/

·       SEPTA App: https://wwww.septa.org/app/