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  • Frustration grows as riders navigate challenges amid SEPTA cuts in Philadelphia

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    PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — SEPTA riders are navigating challenges that include longer wait times and are spending more money on extra buses or trains during the first week of cuts.

    The tens of thousands of Philadelphia students who depend on SEPTA are now on the second day of trying to navigate the cuts after returning to classes Monday.

    A lot of them are catching more buses than they’re used to because routes have been eliminated.

    “I’m going to be on the bus for about an hour and 30 minutes and that’s going to be hard to do, especially when it comes to me trying to make sure I can get to school on time,” said student Osiris Adjepong.

    The EL train, SEPTA busiest line, is SEPTA’s running less frequently, which is causing issues for some.

    “It’s going to take way more time so maybe closer to an hour and I’ll be even later to school most of the time. And then the trains are going to be way more crowded and packed and people are going to be irritable and it’s going to be really stressful to get to school in the morning,” said student Erin Ockimay.

    That’s what we’re hearing- major adjustments for SEPTA riders of all ages.

    Phase 1 of SEPTA cuts began Sunday and comes with a 20% reduction of services across the board.

    RELATED: Commuter Crisis: First round of SEPTA cuts in effect | What you need to know

    “It took like an hour longer to get here,” said rider Aamirah Spurell.

    Cuts include changes to bus schedules, trolleys and subway lines and the elimination of express services to the sports complex in South Philadelphia.

    “My bus route wasn’t eliminated but it comes later now so I got to wait a half hour today just to go home,” said rider Ryan Sinclair.

    For some, the cost of an overall trip has more than doubled because they’re taking extra buses or trains due to eliminations.

    They’re dealing with that while planning longer trips.

    State lawmakers remain at a standstill over how to fund SEPTA.

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    Corey Davis

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