PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Drastic cuts to SEPTA service have taken effect. As Philadelphia residents adjust to the changes, SEPTA riders are asking for some peace of mind and mercy on their pockets.
Just out of the gate, SEPTA cuts are hitting Philadelphia hard.
The reductions are significant: 32 bus routes eliminated, 16 bus routes shortened, and 88 total routes reduced. Overall, about 800,000 daily riders are impacted.
Wayne, a commuter from Nicetown, said he’s feeling pushed around.
“They need to bring another company into Philly. SEPTA is the only company, so they’re bullying us,” Wayne said.
Commuters are also bracing for an upcoming fare increase. Next month, SEPTA riders will face an average hike of 21.5%, raising the base fare from $2.50 to $2.90.
Post-sports game express trains have also been eliminated. Jai works at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex but lives in West Philadelphia. He said the cut will be cutting through his own pockets.
“I have to go from South Philly to West Philly, but now I have to call a ride, and sometimes you don’t have it. Sometimes you do,” Jai said. “I’m on a budget.”
Parents like Billy, a mother of three, said she’s bracing herself for the new school year.
“It hurts. It really feels like it hurts the folks who need it the most,” Billy said.
The School District is still calculating attendance, but Superintendent Tony Watlington says Furness High School, where attendance typically tops 90%, reported attendance in the 70s.
"While that’s not a promising trend, we are hopeful this can get turned around sooner rather than later," said Mike Carroll, deputy managing director for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems. That would require the state legislature to resume budget talks, but the legislature is not scheduled to return until Sept. 8, and Carroll doesn’t expect the situation to turn on a dime.
“So that could be several weeks, it could be a month, before we’re back to what we would call normal.”
City officials warn things will get worse next week when steeper cuts and fare hikes take effect. Plus, more people are expected to return from vacation after Labor Day, and more schools will open.
Carroll suggests avoiding travel during rush hour, parking outside congested areas and walking or biking the last leg and carpooling.