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SEPTA officials are set to speak about their planned service cuts and fare hikes that are scheduled to go into effect this weekend.
On Friday, Aug. 22, at 10:30 a.m., SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer, SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson, SEPTA Assistant GM Frank Brandis and SEPTA Chief Officer Chris Valentin will discuss their plan to help riders transition to reduced schedules.
The press conference comes after Pennsylvania lawmakers failed to reach a deal to secure funding to cover SEPTA’s $213 million budget deficit before the Aug. 14, 2025, deadline. The transit agency will now move forward with their plan to cut service by 45% and raise fares by 21.5% for approximately 800,000 daily riders. The cuts to SEPTA’s bus routes are scheduled to take place on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, the day before classes begin in the Philadelphia School District.
Those cuts include the elimination of 32 bus routes and the reduction of 88 bus routes, many of which are used by Philadelphia students. During Friday’s press conference, SEPTA officials plan to address their safety strategies for the new school year as well.
Sunday’s cuts are only the first part of SEPTA’s so-called “transit death spiral.” On Sept. 1, 2025, fares will increase for all SEPTA riders while regional rail service cuts go into effect on Sept. 2. The cuts will continue through January 2026 when SEPTA will impose a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail services.
Earlier in the week, city officials unveiled their plan for dealing with the SEPTA cuts. They encouraged residents and commuters to avoid driving in Center City if they can. They also said the city’s Streets Department would increase staffing assignments while the Philadelphia Parking Authority would increase enforcement, focusing especially on North Broad Street.
The city also posted a map showing available parking near transit.
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David Chang
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