Davis raises concerns over proposed SEPTA rail and bus cuts, fare increase
Rep. Tina Davis April 10, 2025 | 2:58 PM
BRISTOL, April 10 – State Rep. Tina Davis today expressed serious concern about SEPTA’s proposed elimination of the Trenton Regional Rail Line and key bus routes that serve Lower Bucks County, calling the proposal “deeply troubling” and urging state and regional leaders to work toward a sustainable funding solution.
Under SEPTA’s recently released Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget proposal, the Trenton Line—which serves Levittown, Bristol, and Croydon—would be discontinued beginning Jan. 1. Bus Routes 127 and 128 are also slated for elimination, leaving only Route 129 to serve the area.
“These proposed service reductions would have a significant impact on Lower Bucks County residents who rely on SEPTA to get to work, school, medical appointments, and other essential destinations,” Davis said. “The Trenton Line, in particular, is not only well-utilized—it’s also a profitable line. Eliminating it would reduce access and opportunity for thousands of commuters.”
The proposed cuts come as SEPTA faces a projected $213 million structural budget deficit in Fiscal Year 2026, the result of rising operating costs and the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds. Without new state funding, SEPTA has warned it may need to eliminate five Regional Rail lines, discontinue 50 bus routes, and impose fare increases averaging 21.5%, along with a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail service.
“This fare hike would hit the very people who rely on public transit the most—individuals and families who may not have other transportation options,” Davis said. “We cannot place an even greater burden on riders who are already stretching their budgets just to get to work or school. Public transit should be accessible and affordable for everyone.”
Davis pointed to recent infrastructure investments made by SEPTA in the area, including the $36 million reconstruction of the Levittown-Tullytown Station completed in 2019, and a $30 million renovation project currently underway at Bristol Station.
“These are significant, taxpayer-supported investments meant to improve service and expand access. To now propose eliminating the very services those upgrades support raises serious questions about long-term planning and priorities,” she said.
Gov. Josh Shapiro has proposed a statewide funding plan to address SEPTA’s financial challenges and avert these cuts. The PA House has passed related legislation multiple times, and negotiations are ongoing in Harrisburg.
“I appreciate the governor’s leadership and the House’s commitment to supporting public transit,” Davis said. “It’s critical that the Senate joins these efforts so that we can ensure stable, reliable transportation options for all Pennsylvanians.”
Davis also underscored the broader economic and environmental consequences of the proposed cuts, including increased congestion and limited mobility for workers and businesses.
“If SEPTA is working to grow ridership and improve access, reducing service—particularly on well-used and productive lines—is not the way forward,” she added. “We need thoughtful, sustainable solutions that reflect the importance of public transit to our regional economy and quality of life.”
Davis represents the 141st Legislative District, comprised of Bristol Borough and Bristol Township in Bucks County.
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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net
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