Lower Merion commissioners call on state lawmakers to fund SEPTA, labeling proposed cuts as severe in recent resolution.

At a special meeting held on Wednesday evening, the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution urging Pennsylvania’s elected officials to preemptively address impending cuts to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) service. The potential reductions are framed as “devastating” and could take effect if lawmakers fail to devise a bipartisan funding strategy.

To mitigate an annual budget shortfall estimated at 3 million, SEPTA has proposed significant adjustments to its operating budget for the 2026 fiscal year. These changes could result in the elimination of 55 bus routes, five Regional Rail lines, and the closure of 66 stations. Furthermore, the proposed fare increases of 21.5% would align SEPTA’s pricing with New York City’s public transit fare structure.

In Lower Merion, a community historically connected to the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Main Line, the repercussions of these cuts would be particularly severe. The Paoli/Thorndale Line, a key Regional Rail service traversing the township, would be discontinued, along with four bus lines, namely the 44, 52, 103, and 106.

The resolution employed by the board characterizes the proposed service cuts as “draconian.” The board’s president highlighted the profound impact these transit eliminations would have on a township developed around its train stations.

The resolution underscores the vital role SEPTA plays within Lower Merion. Public transit options are essential not only for businesses and corporate headquarters that rely on a steady flow of employees but also for students, faculty, and patients accessing the township’s six hospitals and educational institutions. Moreover, the vitality of local commercial centers hinges on the presence of train and bus riders who contribute to shopping and dining activities.

The resolution also cautions that the proposed cuts may lead to “unbearable traffic conditions and excessive air pollution” as thousands would be compelled to rely on private vehicles for commuting purposes. This shift has the potential to adversely affect the health and vitality of the broader Southeastern Pennsylvania region.

Through this resolution, the commissioners are advocating for a collaborative commitment from state officials to secure sufficient public funding for mass transportation that would avert the drastic proposed changes to SEPTA’s service offerings. The board’s president emphasized that addressing the cuts to SEPTA is not merely about through resolution alone. Instead, the focus should expand towards exploring how to enhance investment in SEPTA and public transit more broadly, signaling a proactive approach to public transportation issues within the township.

As this situation develops, the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners continues to engage actively in discussions about sustainable transit solutions while seeking to safeguard the integrity of public transportation for their constituents.

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