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9/4/2025
A Philadelphia judge on Aug. 29 ordered the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to halt its plans for fare increases and service cuts that were scheduled to begin Sept. 1.
The ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed by consumer advocates and two SEPTA riders who allege that the transit agency is fabricating the financial crisis and placing a disproportionate burden on communities of people of color and low-income residents, according to a Philadelphia ABC News report.
Judge Sierra Thomas-Street temporarily halted all upcoming planned service cuts, pending an emergency hearing set for today. Cuts implemented before Aug. 29 will remain in effect. Bus and Metro subway, elevated rail and trolley service cuts began Aug. 24. The planned Sept. 1 fare increase of 21.5% and cuts to Regional Rail commuter services that were to begin Sept. 2 are halted.
SEPTA also had slashed its express service to the South Philadelphia Sports Complex for sports games. However, sports gambling company FanDuel provided $80,000 to restore the service for the Philadelphia Eagles season opener today, NBC10 reported.
As state legislators have not yet approved a funding solution to SEPTA's $213 million budget deficit, the transit authority is operating within its available budget, SEPTA officials said. In total, SEPTA planned to reduce service by 20% across buses, trolleys and subway lines.