SEPTA cuts have begun. Here’s what riders need to know about bus, train and Regional Rail routes, price increases and more

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Massive SEPTA cuts began Sunday, and more changes are expected through the beginning of next year.

All in all, 32 bus lines, five Regional Rail lines and a Metro line will be eliminated. Almost every line the transportation authority runs will see reduced operation, especially during non-peak hours. A 21.5% fare increase is scheduled to begin Sept. 2, 2025, and a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail service is set for Jan. 1, 2026.

Mayor Cherelle Parker on Thursday announced the early disbursement of transit funding to restore several bus routes that affect School District of Philadelphia students.

Beginning Sept. 2, just under a dozen routes will be augmented to reduce crowding on routes that students rely on: 14, 20, 23, 26, 47, 63, 67, 70, 82, T2 and T5.

In mid-September, several routes that had served many students but were discontinued or shortened will begin service again. Those include routes 84, 88 and six 400-level routes (452, 461, 462, 476, 478, 484). The 31, which was completely discontinued, will be restored with a shortened route.

SEPTA has warned passengers to expect crowded conditions and longer wait times

The cuts to Philadelphia’s public transit system come after more than a year of funding uncertainty. Last year’s respite came in the form of Gov. Josh Shapiro diverting $153 million to SEPTA from the state’s federal highway fund to stymy the organization’s deficit.

A permanent solution was meant to come in place of the stopgap measure taken in 2024, but a dispute about how to handle transit funding formed between Democratic and Republican state officials. This has not only left SEPTA without funding, but it has also left Pennsylvania with a delayed state budget.

When are the SEPTA changes happening?

• Sunday, Aug. 24: Most of the bus and Metro service cuts go into effect
• Monday, Aug. 25: Remaining bus and Metro service cuts go into effect
• Monday, Sept. 1: A 21.5% fare increase goes into effect, meaning the bus and Metro fare increases from $2.50 to $2.90
• Tuesday, Sept. 2: Regional Rail service cuts go into effect; routes serving students will be augmented to reduce crowding
• Mid-September: Several routes formerly discontinued or shortened will return to service to better help students reach schools
• January 2026: Regional Rail service on five lines, the Broad-Ridge Spur line and several more bus routes will be cut

SEPTA bus changes

Buses will see the largest number of cuts. By mid-September, 28 routes will be eliminated, and even more will have their routes shortened. Almost every other line will see a reduction in frequency.

Riders can search their bus line below to learn how their travel will be affected.

SEPTA train changes

SEPTA’s train service will see the fewest elimination of routes: Only one line, the Broad-Ridge Spur, will be cut altogether, and two trolleys, the G1 (Route 15) and T1 (Route 10), will be converted into bus routes. Despite having the fewest number of eliminations, the subway lines and trolleys will have longer wait times between trains. A 9 p.m. curfew on all rail service is scheduled to begin Jan. 1, 2026.

Riders can search their rail line below to learn how their travel will be affected.

SEPTA Regional Rail changes

Many of the cuts SEPTA has planned for the Regional Rail lines, which bring in thousands of people who work in the city, will be centered around the frequency of the trains.

However, major changes to the lines will come into effect in January 2026, with five of the lines being eliminated entirely and the rest seeing no service after 9 p.m.

Riders can search their Regional Rail line below to learn how their travel will be affected.

More SEPTA service cut resources

• SEPTA service cut information, including map visualizations
• SEPTA trip planning tool
• SEPTA real-time service map
• SEPTA mobile app

Editor’s Note: Nate Harrington’s WHYY News internship has been made possible thanks to the generous support from the Dow Jones News Fund O’Toole Family Foundation Internship.