SEPTA fare hikes, fewer routes proposed in new budget

PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — Passengers aboard SEPTA buses, subways and trains are bracing for fare increases, fewer routes and longer wait times as SEPTA prepares to announce its new budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year on Thursday.

The agency is facing a more than 200-million-dollar deficit. As reported on Action News at 10 on PHL17, the new proposal will highlight a 20% cut in services beginning in August. This would include eliminating 50 bus lines, five regional rails, 63 stations and paratransit would close, and rail lines would stop at 9 p.m. In September, fares will increase from $2.50 to $2.75, while monthly passes would jump as much as $10.

SEPTA will hold public hearings on May 19 and 20 to receive feedback for the budget. The SEPTA Board will hold a vote on the budget proposal at its meeting on June 26, and the spending plan would go into effect with start of the new fiscal year on July 1.