Remaining SEPTA Bus and Metro Service Cuts Take Effect as Philadelphia’s School Year Begins | News Glare

Philadelphia, PA - Today, August 25, 2025, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) implemented the second phase of its 20 percent reduction in bus and metro service, following a state funding impasse that left the agency facing a $213 million budget deficit. Riders awoke to fewer routes, less frequent service, and longer wait times on the first full day of classes for the Philadelphia School District.

According to SEPTA, the initial round of cuts on August 24 included the elimination of 32 bus routes and significant schedule reductions on rail services. Today’s measures apply to the remaining bus and metro lines, with 16 additional routes shortened and midday headways extended from 25 to 30 minutes across several corridors.

The specific changes effective today include:

Change Type	Details
Eliminated Routes	32 bus routes removed entirely (e.g., Routes 1, 8, 12, 19, 30, 31, 35, 47M, 50, 62, 73, 78, 80, 88, 89, 91, etc.)
Shortened Routes	16 routes truncated at earlier terminals (including Routes 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 17, 27, 43, 61, 84, 115, 124, 125, 433, 441, 495)
Frequency Cuts	On remaining bus and metro lines, service frequency reduced by roughly 20 percent during midday and off-peak hours

SEPTA officials urged riders to plan trips using the agency’s website and mobile app, which now feature updated schedules reflecting the cuts. “We understand these changes will be painful,” said SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch, “but without new state funding, we have no choice but to proceed”.

The Philadelphia School District warned families and staff of potential hardships, noting that thousands of students rely on SEPTA to reach campuses. The City’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems responded by increasing Traffic Operations Center staffing, adjusting signal timing, and bolstering emergency traffic infrastructure repairs to mitigate roadway congestion.

Commuters reported crowded stops and buses. Jay Arzu, a Norris Square resident, said his daily trip to Center City now takes an extra 20 minutes after the truncation of his Route 35 bus. “It’s a tough start to the school year,” he remarked, “but everyone around here seems to be adapting as best they can”.

Looking ahead, SEPTA plans a 21.5 percent fare increase on September 1 and a third wave of regional rail service cuts on September 2 if the legislature fails to deliver a budget. Without an agreement in Harrisburg, further reductions-including the elimination of five Regional Rail lines on January 1, 2026-are all but certain.