Recent SEPTA cuts would shut down Wilmington/Newark line amid massive budget crisis

Facing a historic funding crisis, SEPTA unveiled a proposed budget Wednesday that would slash nearly half of its service, raise fares, and cut staff. If implemented, the Wilmington/Newark Line would be shut down, along with other major rail services.

The proposal, driven by a looming $213 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1, includes a 45% reduction in service. 

Due to these proposed cuts, the Broad-Ridge Spur would be shut down entirely, along with five Regional Rail lines: the Cynwyd Line, Chestnut Hill West Line, Paoli/Thorndale Line, Trenton Line, and the Wilmington/Newark Line.

“These cuts to SEPTA’s service – which would hurt our economy and make it harder for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians to get to work, school, and wherever else they need to go – are completely avoidable,” said Governor Josh Shapiro, who has introduced a statewide transit funding plan now stalled in the state Senate.

“For two years in a row, I have proposed a commonsense plan to support mass transit all across the Commonwealth and last December, I flexed funding to give the legislature more time to come to the table. The state House has passed my proposal three times and plans to do so again next month – it is now squarely on the state Senate to come to the table and pass more funding for mass transit that their own constituents rely on.” 

“SEPTA would go from being the economic driver of this city and region to its limiter,” said SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr.

“We are grateful for Governor Shapiro’s proposal and for the continued efforts of legislators from our city and region. Now, we all need to hear from the public. Even if you don’t ride, deep service cuts would impact you – whether it is from increased congestion on area roadways, declining property values or less revenue for local businesses as SEPTA purchases significantly fewer supplies and materials.”

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SEPTA, like many public transit systems nationwide, has struggled to stabilize after pandemic-era federal relief funding expired. Despite efforts to tighten its belt – including management pay freezes, third-party contract cuts, and a resumed Regional Rail parking fee – the agency still faces mounting pressure from rising costs, inflation, and safety concerns.

“We know how critical service is to our customers and the region, and we have done everything possible to avoid the drastic measures that are proposed in this budget,” said Interim General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “

We have made significant progress in cutting costs, growing ridership, improving reliability and delivering on safety and security enhancements. All of that is at risk if we are forced to start dismantling the system.”

Governor Shapiro temporarily rescued SEPTA last fall by redirecting federal highway funds to close the current year’s gap, but that one-time fix won’t be available again. By law, SEPTA must approve a balanced budget by July 1, and with no legislative relief yet in sight, officials say painful cuts are inevitable.

In addition to its Operating Budget, SEPTA also released its Capital Budget proposal, which outlines delays and deferrals for dozens of infrastructure projects due to limited funding and inflation, including station accessibility upgrades and long-promised improvements.

Public hearings for both budget proposals will take place at SEPTA Headquarters on May 19 and 20 for the Operating Budget, and May 21 for the Capital Budget. 

The SEPTA Board is expected to vote on the final budgets on June 26.

Riders and residents can submit feedback through email, voicemail, or mail by May 28. Details are available at septa.org/fundingcrisis.