WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) issued a stark warning Thursday regarding SEPTA’s proposed service reductions and fare increases if the state legislature fails to approve permanent transit funding. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) announced drastic measures to address its budget shortfall, including potential service cuts of up to 45% by January 2026.
The proposal involves a series of phased actions beginning with 20% service reductions in August 2025, followed by a 21.5% fare increase in September. SEPTA plans to vote on the initial package on June 26, with further hearings set for October to evaluate additional measures. If enacted, the cuts could result in the elimination of 1 million service hours annually, significantly impacting hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians who rely on public transit.
“Increased fares, bus routes eliminated, rail services reduced – this isn’t good for anybody,” Fetterman stated on X, urging Pennsylvania leaders to come together to prevent these “devastating impacts.”
Fetterman, who has long advocated for sustainable transit funding, highlighted his efforts to address the issue at both the state and federal levels. During his tenure, he introduced the Moving Transit Forward Act to provide federal operating support for transit agencies, including SEPTA. He has also secured nearly half a billion dollars in federal funding for SEPTA and supported various grants for transit improvements statewide, such as a $25 million project in Harrisburg and a $15 million initiative in Washington County.
Beyond Southeastern Pennsylvania, public transit systems across the state, including Pittsburgh Regional Transit, face similar challenges without legislative intervention. With service cuts, fare hikes, and layoffs looming, Fetterman concluded, “Pennsylvania must act to avoid a public transit crisis.”
SEPTA’s proposed plan threatens significant consequences for the region, emphasizing the urgency for a state funding solution in the coming months.
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