SEPTA cuts prompt transit advocate rallies

PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — Dozens of transit advocates rallied outside of Pennsylvania Republican State Senator Joe Picozzi’s office on Tuesday in an effort to pressure lawmakers to pass a transit funding package ahead of the SEPTA cuts set to take effect on August 24, one day before the school year begins.

“Students who took a bus they relied on to get to school won’t be there on Monday,” one advocate said into a bullhorn.

Parents, educators and transit advocates chanted “Stand with Joe” and “Fund SEPTA now,” while holding signs promoting a resolution to the transit crisis.

A 40-minute walk to school is what some students face come Monday as SEPTA moves forward on eliminating 32 bus routes and shortening another 16. According to Action News at 10 on PHL17, 60% of Baldi Middle School’s 1,600 students rely on SEPTA charters to transport them from four elementary feeder schools.

“They bring children from those neighborhoods to us because we’re not close to them at all,” Bianca Gillis, Principal of Baldi Middle School said to Action News at 10 on PHL17. “That [SEPTA cuts] can lead to an increase in tardiness and absenteeism.”

On August 11, the Pennsylvania House passed a Democratic-backed transit funding bill that would have included funding for highways as well as increased aid for transit agency operations by $292 million, or about 25% more, with the majority of the money going to SEPTA. The Pennsylvania Senate did not approve the bill, however.

Throughout 2025, SEPTA has announced the service cuts and reductions that will come with its $213 million budget deficit. Beginning on Sunday, August 24, the day before the Philadelphia School District kicks off its academic school year, SEPTA is eliminating 32 bus routes, shortening 16 bus routes and reducing frequency on a total of 88 routes. The following week on September 1, a 21.5% fare increase, and regional rail service cuts take effect. SEPTA is also imposing a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail services, many of which ran until 1:30 a.m. More cuts are slated in January. SEPTA officials said that they can reinstate the eliminated bus routes within a week’s time if state lawmakers approve funding; however, the senate will not reconvene until September 8.

For a list of changes within SEPTA, go to its Service Cuts page on the agency’s website.