SEPTA Cuts 50 Routes, 5 Rail Lines, Fares Jump 21.5%

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Red wood ants produce formic acid from their venom gland at the rear of their abdomen, creating defense systems that shield forest ecosystems.

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Starting August 24, SEPTA will eliminate 32 bus routes and reduce service by 20% across remaining lines, affecting thousands of daily commuters.

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Riders will pay more beginning September 1 - base fares jumping from $2.50 to $2.90 and monthly passes soaring from $96 to $116.

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Come January 2026, five Regional Rail lines will shut down completely and a 9 p.m. curfew will be imposed on all rail services.

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The transit agency's $213 million budget deficit emerged as federal COVID relief funds expired while operating costs soared due to inflation.

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SEPTA would go from being the economic driver of this city and region to its limiter," warns Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr.

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Governor Shapiro calls these cuts "completely avoidable" if his transit funding proposal passes, while Senate Republicans push back on footing the entire bill.

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The cuts would close 66 stations and potentially cripple Philadelphia's ability to host 2026 events including FIFA World Cup matches.

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Mayor Parker points out Philadelphia has increased its SEPTA contribution by $30 million, saying "we're doing more than our fair share.

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Public hearings run May 19-21 before SEPTA's board votes on June 26, with transit officials warning that delays in funding make reversing cuts increasingly difficult.

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