A new rumor circulating among commuters, “fund SEPTA” rallygoers, and attendees of public hearings suggests SEPTA is using the threat of a Paoli/Thorndale Line closure as leverage, writes Thomas Fitzgerald for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
According to the latest theory, SEPTA earmarked five Regional Rail lines for potential closure to exert pressure on Gov. Josh Shapiro and state legislators to increase funding for the financially strained transit system.
The rumor states that the Paoli/Thorndale Line was selected specifically because it runs through the Main Line, home to many affluent and politically influential residents who use the service.
Some are believed to have made political donations that could earn them a direct call with the governor.
However, SEPTA said the reason is more banal. The transit agency pays Amtrak to run the five selected lines on its Northeast Corridor tracks – $65 million in just this year.
“We looked at the quickest way to save the most money,” said Jody Holton, SEPTA’s chief planning and strategy officer.
SEPTA faces a $213 million operating deficit and plans to make service cuts in the new fiscal year to help close this gap.
To uncover the full story behind SEPTA’s strategy, and whether this controversial rumor holds weight, read the full article The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on VISTA Today in June 2025.
