Neighbors, starting this month, SEPTA will be making significant service adjustments and fare increases that could affect your daily travel. We will start to see service cuts to SEPTA begin on Monday, August 25, and fare increases begin on Monday, September 1. I want to make sure you’re prepared so you can plan ahead for work, school, and other commitments.

Below are how the routes in our district will be impacted starting Monday.

A full list of how routes will be impacted can be found here.

Then, on September 1, we will see fares begin to increase. Almost all fare options will increase, with this including:

• Cash/Quick Trip Base and SEPTA Key/Contactless/Key Tix Base: Going from $2.50 to $2.90
• Weekly and Monthly TransPass+: Going from $25.50 and $96.00 to $31.00 and $116.00 respectively
• ParaTransit: Going from $4.25 to $5.75

Yesterday, I had the privilege of joining Cradles to Crayons and an incredible group of volunteers for a high-energy day at their Giving Factory. Together, we packed over 1,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to make sure kids in our region are ready for the first day of school.

Over the years, Cradles to Crayons has graciously donated nearly 1,000 backpacks to our office alone, allowing us to distribute them directly to families in our community. Their continued commitment to supporting children across the Commonwealth is truly inspiring.

Thank you to Cradles to Crayons and all the volunteers who made this possible!

The PA General Assembly provides funding for the PA State Grant and other programs administered by PHEAA. The state budget is still being finalized, which means 2025–26 PA State Grant award amounts and disbursements are currently on hold.

Other PHEAA-administered programs may also be impacted. Students are encouraged to contact their school’s financial aid office to learn how this could affect their aid package.

We’ll share updates as soon as they become available.

Monday, August 25, is the first day of school for Cheltenham School District! Panthers, get ready to kick off a new year full of learning, friends, and fun.

Tips for a smooth first day:

• Check your backpack and supplies (our office still has backpacks & some supplies if needed!)

• Arrive on time and ready to learn

• Bring a positive attitude

• Show your Panther pride!

FREE and reduced-price meals are available for students who qualify. You can:

• Check eligibility & FAQs: Cheltenham Free & Reduced Meals

• Apply online: schoolcafe.com

As you head back to school, it’s never too early to start planning for college and financial aid. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) offers resources on grants, scholarships, loans, and FAFSA completion to make higher education more affordable.

Learn more at www.pheaa.org and take the first step toward funding your future!

Let’s make this school year roar-some!

We still have about 40 backpacks with school supplies for students in Cheltenham, Springfield, and Jenkintown school districts (including private schools).

Don’t miss the chance to start the year prepared! All backpacks include folders, notebooks, pencils, pencil sharpeners, colored pencils, rulers, and glue sticks! Contact us today to reserve yours while supplies last.

Join our office and Representative Ben Sanchez for a free shredding and electronics recycling event. Safely dispose of old documents and unwanted electronics at no cost.

When: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6
Where: Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA, 19027.

Please enter on Meetinghouse Road via Township Line Road. Call our office at 215-572-5210 with any questions.

If you have a health condition that makes it difficult to work, you may be able to get an exemption from the new SNAP work requirements starting September 1.

You can act now by asking your doctor or other healthcare provider to sign a medical exemption form. Having this form ready before the rules begin could help prevent an interruption in your benefits later this year.

For the form and help completing it, contact our office or your County Assistance Office.

SEPTA maintenance crews have recently completed a series of improvements at Lawndale Station, making the station safer and more comfortable for commuters. New safety signs are now in place: bright yellow “Caution: Look Both Ways” and red “Danger: Stay Out of Track” signs.

While the larger station renovation is still on hold, these updates are an important step for neighbors—especially residents of Cheltenham Township who use the station.

Recent improvements include:

• Repaired concrete curb at the crosswalk

• Repaired and repainted shelter

• Resurfaced concrete ramps

• Repaired lighting

• Repainted platform edges and handrails

• Added trash cans and benches

• Repainted railings at Robbins Street end

• Installed new signage and updated system map

These updates aim to improve safety and comfort for all who use Lawndale Station.

Recently, a fire broke out at Mitzvah Circle, damaging essential supplies like clothing and diapers that families in crisis depend on. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the loss was significant.

Mitzvah Circle provides critical items to people facing homelessness, illness, domestic abuse, and other difficult challenges. They need our help to replace what was lost.

If you’re able, please consider donating any of the essential items listed above. Donations can be dropped off at our district office.

Every contribution makes a difference. Let’s come together to support this important work and help families in need!

Harrisburg Office

325 Irvis Office Building

PO Box 202154

Harrisburg, PA 17120-2154
(717) 783-1079

Glenside Office

115 East Glenside Avenue

Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210