News📢

SEPTA Funding Crisis

SEPTA’s new fiscal year started on July 1, 2025, with a $213 million budget shortfall. SEPTA is already very efficient, and steps like a hiring freeze and cutting admin costs have lowered the deficit from $240 million to $213 million. To avoid cutting service or raising fares sharply, the State needs to approve a budget that supports current service and allows small fare increases. This will help SEPTA and Pennsylvania be ready for big 2026 events like America’s 250th anniversary, the FIFA World Cup, and MLB All-Star Week, while keeping reliable service for the next five years.

New workforce housing in East Mt. Airy

TierView Development plans 81 workforce housing units and 2,700 sq ft of commercial space on Germantown Ave, East Mt. Airy. The four-story project near Gorgas Lane and Lovett Memorial Library includes 11 parking spots, 42 bike stalls, and a green roof. It seeks zoning bonuses for extra height and density to offer studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, with 10% affordable for families at 60% AMI. The project will remove over 50 trees, including three heritage trees, but 33 will be replanted. Neighbors worry about size, traffic, and emergency access near a fire station. A second review is pending; no zoning hearing is scheduled.

SEPTA Releases Reduced-Service Schedules & Sets Deadline to Avert Cuts

New state transit funding must be secured by Aug. 14 to prevent SEPTA from enacting a 20% service cut aimed at addressing a budget shortfall. Without funding, SEPTA will prepare for reduced schedules starting Aug. 24, including cuts to 32 bus routes, fewer rail trips, and the end of all special services such as the Sports Express. Customers are advised to review updated schedules and travel options.