Kelsey McGovern, Staff Writer

PHILADELPHIA – SEPTA has recently faced critical financial issues impacting service schedules and fare rates.

In Aug. 2025, SEPTA began cutting services due to a $213 million funding crisis. About 800,000 Pennsylvanians, especially those in the greater Philadelphia area, have been affected. For example, buses have not been able to hold all passengers, impacting people’s daily lives and work schedules.

Because of service cuts, Philadelphia schools reported a decrease in attendance. Other events that would be affected include the FIFA World Cup and PGA Championship. SEPTA warns that if it does not receive the funding needed, it will cut half of its services by January 2026 and not return to a normal schedule for special events.

On Monday, Sept. 8, Gov. Josh Shapiro approved millions of dollars held in capital project funding to help restore services, according to 6abc. SEPTA reported that such cuts were necessary to comply with the $200 million deficit, even though it was quite drastic.

In court, the topic of SEPTA cuts being discriminatory toward lower-income or minority groups was raised. A judge ordered the two-week-old cuts to be undone after they were challenged. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is working to restore services, but SEPTA said it will need $394 million in state funds to avoid issues for the next two years. PennDOT approved the funds to reverse the planned cuts. However, fares will increase 21.5% to generate about $31 million in revenue and return to a normal schedule. While SEPTA recognized this is an increase in fare prices, it said it is needed. A typical weekday ride will rise from $2.50 to $2.90.

The plan of shifting state-provided capital funds to resume service is only a temporary fix to the issue. Every year, the deficit will only grow if it does not receive aid. Pennsylvania must figure out a way to run transportation in a reliable and affordable way. It was estimated that services will return to normal by Sept. 14.

On Sept. 14, NBC Philadelphia interviewed SEPTA riders about the increase in fare prices. Around 700,000 people ride SEPTA each month, so the 21.5% increase in prices will make it harder for some to ride.

One rider mentioned that many people do not pay the fare, but those who do will be affected. This is an important factor to highlight because fare evasion contributes to the debt SEPTA is facing. Riders who do not pay cannot be upset about cuts in the schedule because they are part of the reason SEPTA is in debt. While it can be understood why some people do not pay because there are typically no repercussions, they should realize that the increase in fare prices now is partly because of their actions. Riders who have always paid the fare are now paying more because of those who cheat the system.