Transportation

Philadelphia Transit System Votes to Cut Service by 45%, Hike Fares

Passengers exit a SEPTA train at a commuter rail station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., on Friday, July 30, 2021. Photographer: Hannah Beier/Bloomberg

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By Sri Taylor

June 26, 2025 at 7:33 PM UTC

Philadelphia’s largest transit system approved sweeping service cuts and fare hikes as it struggles to deal with a gaping budget deficit.

Officials at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority voted Thursday to approve a fiscal 2026 budget that slashes service by 45% and raises fares by 21.5%. The system has been warning about a $213 million operating deficit for months.