Philadelphia (WPVI) – SEPTA is ready to start implementing large-scale service cuts due to Harrisburg's budget agreement deadlock. This is the last minute battle for those who will be affected by the cuts.
Dozens of bus routes and railroads will be cut in the first phase of the SEPTA service cuts that take effect on Sunday. The first big test was Sunday's Philadelphia Game. Then there was the first day of a student in Philadelphia Monday.
“It's going to be awful. What are we going to do? Uber? They're going to send us away like a mile away,” said Maisie Leidich of Fairmount.
Philadelphia fans are planning how to get to and from Citizen Bank Park, while fewer trains are on the wide streets.
“I only ride the subway during the game,” said Lauren Cozzi, who is west of Washington Square.
In the biggest change, SEPTA will no longer run Express trains into the game and will only provide local services. For some, this may mean a complete miss.
“I won't be able to do it,” said Mikal Mumin, of western Philadelphia.
Fans are urged to plan ahead, leave early and expect delays. It's not just the stadium that is affected. If the cuts remain the same, that could mean something wrong with fans participating in the Hawks season against the Cowboys on September 4.
“I ride the Philadelphia game in the subway. Eagle game, the same thing. Ubers are too expensive,” said Camryn Zavacky of Fairmount.
Sports fans aren't the only ones planning a new route. Parents in the Philadelphia school district are also trying to figure out how their children will go to school on Monday. The first wave of SEPTA services driven by the $113 million deficit effective Sunday was reduced.
“Just moving here, now I have to learn how to move around again,” said Keni Williams of West Philadelphia.
All services cuts were reduced by 20%, including eliminating 32 bus routes and fewer trains and trolleys running every day. Some families say it will be a collective effort.
“We do neighborhood ridesharing to make sure the kids go to school on time and then we go to work on time,” said Armanie Nickens of Mantua.
Without state funds, the reduction will continue. SEPTA is preparing to cut nearly half of its service systems this year while also raising fares by 20%. Even if the last minute funds are obtained, it may take several days to restore full service, leaving parents concerned about the timing, officials said.
“You really can’t be late at her school,” said Fedriana Gabourel, South Philadelphia.
Some students are already planning to switch it day after day.
“I'll definitely be in particular, dispersed or picked up,” said Frank Brown of southwest Philadelphia.
The AAA warns that traffic may get heavier and people go back to work and school after the summer vacation, so give yourself a lot of extra time to get to their destination.
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