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SEPTA faces a $213 million budget deficit beginning July 1, and may have to cut service by 45 percent and raise fares by more than 20 percent if the state doesn’t act. Photo by Patrick J. Yough.

SEPTA Board Approves ‘Doomsday’ Cuts

SEPTA’s board of directors voted on June 26 for what has been called “doomsday” cuts as the agency grapples with a $213 million budget deficit. The cuts are expected to lead to a 45 percent reduction in service and a 20 percent increase in fares.

Officials said they remain hopeful that the state legislature will step in to help, but so far that hasn’t happened, ABC 6 in Philadelphia reports. Cuts will begin to take effect on August 24, when 32 bus routes and special train services (like post-game express runs) will be eliminated. Then, in September, a 21.5 percent fare increase will occur. And finally, on January 1, five regional rail routes will be closed, including the Cynwyd Line, Chestnut Hill West Line, Paoli/Thorndale Line, Trenton Line, and Wilmington/Newark Line.

“This is a vote that none of us wanted to take. It does not have to happen if an agreement is met in Harrisburg,” said SEPTA Chairman Kenneth Lawrence, according to ABC.

—Railfan & Railroad Staff