Dear Neighbor,
Many of you have contacted my office regarding SEPTA’s future, and I want you to know that I strongly support directing state funds to help it continue deliver invaluable services all over Southeast Pennsylvania, especially here in Montgomery County.
A critical piece to our region’s transportation infrastructure, SEPTA connects communities, supports economic development, reduces traffic congestion and provides an essential service to thousands of residents who rely on public transportation daily.
Recently, SEPTA released its Fiscal Year 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Proposal, and due to an operating budget gap, this proposal unfortunately includes a 21.5% fare increase and a 45% service reduction to offset a $213 million budget deficit starting July 1, 2025. To avoid service cuts and drastic fare increases, the state must approve a budget – or other funding in short order – that would enable SEPTA to maintain service levels while implementing modest fare increases.
Without a permanent funding solution, SEPTA will be forced to take drastic steps to irreversibly shrink the system:
- Eliminate 50 bus routes.
- Eliminate 5 Regional Rail Lines.
- 20% reduction on all remaining routes.
- 9:00 p.m. curfew on Metro and Regional Rail services.
- Elimination of all special service (e.g., Sports Express).
- Closure of 66 stations.
Public hearings for this Operating Budget Proposal will be held at SEPTA Headquarters (1234 Market St., Philadelphia) on May 19 and May 20. Public Hearings for the Capital Budget Proposal will be held at SEPTA Headquarters on May 21. More information about these public hearings is available by clicking here.
During the 2023-2024 legislative session, PA House Democrats voted three times to deliver funding for transit systems that impact people in all 67 counties, including giving SEPTA the state support it needs. The Senate did not concur last session, but we hope that they will this one. Additionally, during his recent budget address, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed investing an additional $292.5 million into transit agencies in all 67 counties.
Please know that I and my caucus are working hard to ensure the viability of public transit in Pennsylvania. If you would like to help, ride SEPTA and share your advocacy!