All bus, trolley, regional rail & metro routes return, following cuts; fares increase 21.5% system-wide.
What’s Changing
SEPTA will restore full service effective Sunday, September 14, 2025, including undoing the ~20% bus & metro service cuts from August.
A 21.5% fare increase will also go into effect that same day.
Why It Matters
To help address budget shortfalls, SEPTA has been granted emergency relief: PennDOT approved one-time use of state capital assistance to support daily operations.
Without this, many riders were impacted: crowded buses, delayed trips, people “left behind” at stops, etc.
What Riders Should Know
New schedules are already available. Schedules will match pre-August24 service for Bus and Metro and pre-September 2 service for Regional rail.
- Fares are rising. One way cash fare in Bus and Metro will be $2.90 starting Sunday, instead of $2.50. All Regional Rail zone fares will be raise by one dollar for SEPTA Key and by two dollars for on board fares (exluding zone 1 which is being raised by one dollar.
Impact on Services / What’s Improved
All previously cut bus & metro lines restored.
Better reliability, more frequent service.
Capacity should improve; fewer delays.
What’s Still at Stake
This fix is “one-time” and not a permanent funding solution. SEPTA warns of long-term capital projects (vehicle replacements, infrastructure rehab) that are being deferred.
Budget deficit remains; calls for stable funding ongoing