Montgomery County leaders are raising the alarm as SEPTA warns of deep service cuts tied to a looming $213 million budget shortfall, writes Justin Heinze for the Patch.
The proposed state budget in Harrisburg would reduce SEPTA’s funding significantly, with some lawmakers arguing residents outside Greater Philadelphia shouldn’t bear the tax burden. But Montco officials say the impact will ripple far beyond city limits.
SEPTA says five regional rail lines — including Paoli/Thorndale, Chestnut Hill, Cynwyd, Trenton, and Wilmington/Newark — could be shut down entirely. Though the county’s core lines (Lansdale/Doylestown and Manayunk/Norristown) are not currently on the chopping block, Commissioner Neil Makhija stressed that many residents rely on the targeted lines for commuting, healthcare, and education access.
“This isn’t just a transit crisis — it’s a livability crisis for our entire region,” Makhija said. “It will starve businesses of customers and employees, cut off job opportunities, and limit people’s ability to access education and healthcare.
Service cuts could reach 45 percent, with fare hikes and up to 50 bus routes eliminated by early 2026. Special event trains for the World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary would also be canceled.
Makhija emphasized that southeastern Pennsylvania is the economic engine of the state — and investing in SEPTA benefits all of Pennsylvania.
Read more about the potential SEPTA cuts in the Patch.
