Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther is urging Delaware County to take action against severe SEPTA cuts to services that could include eliminating a regional rail line in the county and fare hikes, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.
SEPTA’s suffering a $213 million deficit and needs a large increase in state support, she said.
The transit authority is proposing a 45 percent reduction in service, including eliminating 32 bus routes, shortened service on 16 additional bus routes and reduced frequency across regional rail, subway and metro lines.
That includes the potential elimination of the Wilmington-Newark regional line which goes through the city of Chester, by January 2026, she said.
Delaware County is second in the region, after Philadelphia, in dependency on public transit, she said.
The cuts will hurt riders, businesses who depend on employees using public transit, school children, and senior citizens.
“This is an important resource,” Reuther said. “And if we lose it, it’s just going to make life more difficult for everybody.
Ultimately, residents could face higher property taxes to pay for needed transit services.
She urged residents to contact state and federal legislators about the situation.
Find out more about how SEPTA service cuts could affect Delaware County in the Daily Times.
