WHYY, May 2025
If the drastic service cuts SEPTA has warned about become a reality, that could mean more drivers on the roads and an increase in planet-warming carbon emissions in the Philadelphia area. An analysis by WHYY News’ Climate Desk found that the additional vehicle traffic regional planners say would result from the cuts could increase annual greenhouse gas emissions from Philadelphia’s transportation sector by roughly 4% and the city’s overall carbon emissions by 1%.
“That’s a lot,” said David King, professor of urban planning at Arizona State University. “That’s a massive failure.” SEPTA says a $213 million budget shortfall starting this summer caused by the end of federal COVID relief money and rising costs would force it to slash service system-wide by 45%, increasing fares while eliminating five Regional Rail lines and 50 bus routes, reducing service by 20% on remaining routes, cutting service for special events and implementing a 9 p.m. curfew on metro and Regional Rail.
