Full funding for SEPTA is an economic and access to justice imperative for Philadelphia – and the entire region.
Here’s what you need to know - and what you can do.
We need your help to urge the General Assembly to enact a funding plan to close SEPTA’s $213 million budget deficit before the implementation of severe cuts to service. The cuts would not just impact those who ride SEPTA or live in the area - they would have a significant economic and access to justice impact on the entire region and on the Commonwealth as a whole.
SEPTA funding cuts would lead to:
- A 45% service reduction, including the elimination of 50 bus routes and five regional rail lines
- The elimination of all service after 9 p.m. and sports express and other special services
- A 21.5% fare increase to remaining service that would take effect in September
- The loss of more than 75,000 jobs, $6 billion in lost earnings, $19.9 billion in household property value, and $674 million in annual tax revenue for the region
- An estimated $267 million annually in social costs including increased emissions, increased costs to vehicle ownership, and decreased safety with more cars on road
- The addition of an estimated 275,000 additional cars each day on highways and interstates and two million in increased vehicle miles per day in Philadelphia and the four surrounding counties
- More than 500,000 people losing access to frequent transit
SEPTA drives the economy in Southeastern Pennsylvania, which in turn drives Pennsylvania’s economy:
- The five-county Philadelphia metro area contributes 36% of the Commonwealth’s sales tax revenues, 40% of income tax, 41% corporate tax, and 40% estate and realty transfer tax
- More than 17 million people rode SEPTA in April 2025, with total ridership up 12% from last year through April. Total ridership up 12% from last year through April.
- SEPTA is underfunded relative to its peers in New Jersey, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Los Angeles
- SEPTA use extends far beyond Center City: Many commuters use it to travel within the suburbs, or from homes in Center City to jobs in the four surrounding counties or Delaware
SEPTA cuts are also an access to justice issue.
- SEPTA allows jurors, litigants, victims of crime, witnesses and personnel to travel easily to the region’s courts.
- For example, over a five-day period in May 2025, 40% of jurors reporting for jury duty at Philadelphia courts said they had used SEPTA to travel to the courts.
- SEPTA also supports the legal profession in the region by facilitating commuting and travel for lawyers, support staff and clients.
- In turn, the legal industry supports the economy of the Philadelphia region: According to a 2013 study, the industry supports approximately 31,000 jobs, producing $160 million in tax revenues and generating nearly $5 billion in expenditures.
