PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — SEPTA is a week away from implementing its service cuts as lawmakers in Harrisburg have not been able to agree on funding for the agency.
Monday morning, SEPTA ambassadors began distributing information at the 69th Street Transportation Center to riders whose routes may be eliminated or shortened.
Lex Powers, SEPTA deputy chief communications officer, said the ambassadors will be at more high-traffic areas to help riders adjust.
“It is time in that way for our riders, if you know that a route is affected or you know that your commute is affected, to plan and figure out what your choices are,” said Powers.
“A lot of the times shift,” added Jody Holton, SEPTA chief planning and strategy officer. “Even if your route isn’t eliminated, just make sure you check your schedule. We had to cut 20% from all the routes, so there might not be as many buses coming to you.”
The service cuts and changes will take effect on Aug. 24, when 32 bus routes are set to be eliminated and another 16 will be shortened. Plus, dozens of bus, train, trolley, and subway lines will reduce their services.
Affected SEPTA Routes
SEPTA reps will be out again at 69th Street and other transit hubs across the suburbs and city during the evening rush to get the word out on schedule changes.
SEPTA said reduced schedule data is now available for third-party apps such as Google Maps.
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office said he will “continue working to narrow the differences, to get this done.”