SEPTA will cut paratransit service, affecting certain riders beginning next month.

SEPTA, the regional transit authority serving the Greater Philadelphia area, is poised to implement significant service reductions that will impact a portion of its paratransit riders. According to Cassandra West, chief of Access at SEPTA, these cuts may result in some riders being displaced from the service area, effectively removing their access to vital transportation resources.

Effective August 24, SEPTA will initiate a considerable service rollback that includes the elimination of 32 bus routes and the modification of 16 existing routes. This decision stems from what SEPTA describes as an inadequate state subsidy coupled with rising operational costs. As a result, the agency is enacting a 20% reduction in services that is set to affect not only general riders but also specific services aimed at those with disabilities.

In tandem with service reductions, SEPTA plans to increase the one-way fare for both its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit and shared-ride services. Starting September 1, the base fare will see a notable increase from .25 to .75. This fare hike coincides with a broader strategy to address funding shortfalls while continuing to provide essential services.

SEPTA’s paratransit service is directly linked to its standard transit options. To qualify for the paratransit program, riders must reside within ¾ of a mile from bus or light-rail routes, as mandated by ADA regulations. Currently, the agency provides approximately 4,000 rides each weekday through its paratransit services, of which 54% are through the Shared Ride program, aimed at seniors aged 65 and older.

In preparation for the anticipated impacts, West and her team have conducted outreach efforts, engaging advocacy groups and human services agencies to inform affected riders of their options and potential service gaps. Despite these constraints, SEPTA believes that the dense transit network in Philadelphia will maintain eligibility for most potential paratransit users.

In the suburban collar counties, where transit routes are less frequent and more remote, current SEPTA paratransit customers may seek alternative options through county-level People With Disabilities (PWD) rides. This pivot may be particularly relevant as potential new demand for paratransit services emerges, especially among those with mobility issues who may find traditional fixed-route services increasingly inaccessible.

As the transit agency grapples with financial pressures and operational challenges, the future of accessible transit services remains a crucial conversation, emphasizing the need for reliable transportation options for vulnerable populations.