When Pennsylvania lawmakers passed its budget, it didn’t include the $295 million increase in state transit funding that SEPTA was hoping for, writes Thomas Fitzgerald for The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

Now, the race is on to see if SEPTA, transit advocates, and political leaders can find a solid source of transit funding passed in the coming months. 

SEPTA projects annual operating deficits of $240 million beginning July 1, when the last of its federal pandemic aid will have been spent.

In November, SEPTA reported a weekday average of 699,000 passengers — about 68% of 2019 levels. 

Since the state budget was passed, SEPTA officials have been drawing up options for trimming or slashing the frequency of service on buses, subways, trolleys, and Regional Rail.

While it’s too early to know specifically, SEPTA officials estimate cuts could be as deep as 20% fewer rides overall.

This would disrupt the lives of thousands of Philadelphians and deal a blow to the region’s economy. 

SEPTA will know more precisely in the coming months what potential cuts it will propose, but CEO Leslie Richards is hopeful Governor Josh Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle Parker can make something happen. 

“We’re grateful to have two individuals who know the value of SEPTA,” Richards said.

Read more about SEPTA’s funding situation at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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