Petition Urges Pennsylvania Leaders to Block SEPTA Cuts and Fare Hikes Budget

A growing petition is calling on Pennsylvania officials to stop drastic service cuts and fare increases proposed by SEPTA for Fiscal Year 2026.

The transit agency faces a major budget shortfall, and advocates say urgent legislative action is needed to protect public transportation across the region.

What Happened

A Change.org petition titled “Secure Funding for SEPTA, Halt Service Reductions and Fare Increment” has gained attention in response to SEPTA’s proposed 2026 operating budget.

The proposal includes 45% service cuts, major fare hikes, staff reductions, and a 9 p.m. rail curfew starting July 1, 2025.

Key Details

• SEPTA’s proposed budget was released in April 2025.
• Four public hearings were held between May 19 and 21 to gather feedback.
• The petition blames decades of underfunding and urges officials to act swiftly.
• Only 105 signatures had been collected at the time of reporting.

Potential Cuts:

Proposed Measure	Description
Service Reductions	45% cuts across transit operations
Fare Increases	Unspecified hikes for all services
Workforce Reductions	Staff layoffs planned
Rail Curfew	Services to stop at 9 p.m. nightly

Reactions or Statements

The petition states:

“SEPTA has been persistently underfunded for decades… It’s time we raise our voices and demand change.”

Supporters argue that reliable public transit is essential for Pennsylvania’s economy and quality of life. They urge bipartisan support to fund SEPTA and protect access for everyday riders.

Investigation or What’s Next

SEPTA’s final budget decision hinges on ongoing negotiations in Harrisburg. Governor Josh Shapiro introduced a transit funding plan in February, which could provide a lifeline if approved.

The petition lists several key decision-makers, including:

• State Senator Art Haywood (Abington Township)
• Governor Josh Shapiro
• Pennsylvania State Senate and House
• Three state senators and one House representative

FAQs

Q: What is SEPTA?
A: SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) operates public transit in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Q: Why are service cuts and fare hikes being proposed?
A: To address a structural budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2026.

Q: What actions are being requested in the petition?
A: Secure state funding, stop service cuts, prevent fare increases, and protect public transit jobs.

Q: Who is responsible for making funding decisions?
A: The Pennsylvania State Legislature and the Governor’s office.

Q: How can I support the petition?
A: Visit Change.org and search for “Secure Funding for SEPTA.”

Summary / Final Takeaway

SEPTA’s looming cuts and fare hikes have sparked a grassroots petition aimed at state officials. With funding negotiations underway in Harrisburg, advocates say now is the time to act.

Public transit supporters are urging Pennsylvanians to speak up to save a system many depend on daily.