5th Square is providing the following press release in reaction to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)'s announcement of service reductions and fare increases due to lack of state financial support.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

5th Square Advocacy Responds to SEPTA's Proposed Fare Increase and Service Cuts

Philadelphia, PA - 5th Square Advocacy today is expressing grave concern regarding the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)'s announcement that, due to inadequate funding from the state legislature in Harrisburg, the agency will be forced to implement substantial fare increases, service line cuts, and cuts to system-wide frequency. These changes, if enacted, would have far-reaching and devastating consequences for Philadelphia and the greater Delaware Valley region. 

"SEPTA plays a critical role in our community, providing an average of over 754,000 trips per day across five counties," said Alex Milone, Co-Chair of 5th Square Advocacy's Transit Commitee. " These trips are not just about getting from point A to point B - they represent the daily routines of commuters, students, healthcare patients, shoppers, and individuals participating in the local community and regional economy. The proposed cuts could easily result in economic losses totaling over hundreds of millions of dollars, disrupting our region's economic vitality and quality of life."

"The fare increases and service reductions would impact everyone in the region, including those who don't currently use SEPTA by forcing people to find alternative means of transportation which inevitably means more cars on the road, and more congestion on area roads and highways along with all the negative externalities that comes with that. However, it will disproportionately affect low-income individuals and those who rely on public transportation as their primary means of mobility." According to Milone, "for many residents of the region, SEPTA is a lifeline that connects them to work, healthcare, education, and essential services."

"Many of our most vulnerable neighbors will be hit hardest by these changes," Milone added. "The reduction in service and frequency, along with higher costs, will create a substantial burden on individuals who are already facing economic challenges. This is a direct consequence of the state's failure to adequately prioritize transportation funding, which is essential not only to Philadelphia but for all communities across Pennsylvania."

5th Square Advocacy urges lawmakers in Harrisburg to prioritize funding for SEPTA and invest in the future of the region's public transportation system. The proposed fare hikes and service cuts reflect an ongoing issue of insufficient state support, and we call on the legislature to take immediate action to ensure that SEPTA can continue to serve the needs of the Delaware Valley, its residents, and the economy.

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