Members of PA House Southeast Delegation respond to SEPTA's proposed service cuts & rate hikes
Rep. Melissa Shusterman April 10, 2025 | 3:30 PM
HARRISBURG, April 10 – Pennsylvania House lawmakers who represent Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties are expressing concern in response to the budget proposal SEPTA released today that would make drastic service cuts and fare increases to address its budget deficit.
The following is a summary of the changes SEPTA proposes, which would start taking effect on Aug. 24 and continue until complete by Jan. 1, 2026:
- Eliminate 50 bus routes.
- Eliminate five Regional Rail lines and significantly reduce trips in all rail services.
- Increase fares by an average of 21.5%.
In response, Rep. Lisa Borowski, D-Delaware; Reps. Tim Briggs and Mary Jo Daley, both D-Montgomery; and Reps. Kristine Howard, Melissa Shusterman, and Dan K. Williams, all D-Chester, today released the following statement:
“Many workers and families who made their homes in this region depend on the public transportation SEPTA provides. These proposed cuts would severely reduce their options, especially for those who rely on SEPTA to commute to and from their jobs.
“The Paoli/Thorndale line in particular is an essential part of life in Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery counties. We can’t understate how much it contributes to the region’s economic vitality – among its benefits are that it helps mitigate the environmental impacts of traffic, reduces road congestion, and provides a means of transportation to people who cannot afford their own vehicle or can’t drive one due to a physical disability.
“Governor Josh Shapiro rightly pointed out in his own response to SEPTA’s announcement that the state House has passed his budget proposal to avoid these cuts three times, and that the state Senate must come to the table next month when we plan to pass it again.
“Regional Rail service is as important to our transportation infrastructure as roads and bridges. We will advocate to ensure this line stays open to the benefit and necessity of the people we serve.”
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