Philadelphia Students to Benefit as SEPTA Brings Back Some Bus Routes Following Service Cuts

Starting September 2, 2025, SEPTA will restore several bus routes in Philadelphia to help students impacted by recent service cuts, easing their commutes to school. The transit agency reached an agreement with city officials to use part of the $135 million transit subsidy from Philadelphia's 2026 budget to bring back priority routes that were eliminated or reduced earlier in the summer. This move aims to provide more reliable and accessible transportation for thousands of students facing challenges from the cuts.

Restored Bus Routes and Service Enhancements

The bus routes to be fully restored include routes 84, 88, 452, 461, 462, 476, 478, and 484. Additionally, partial service will resume on Route 31 from Overbrook Park to 63rd and Market Streets. SEPTA will also augment service on routes heavily used by students, such as 14, 20, 23, 26, 47, 63, 67, 70, 82, T2, and T5, reducing crowding and missed pickups during peak school travel times. These restorations are designed to ensure students have better options to arrive at school on time.

Background: The Impact of Service Cuts

Earlier in August 2025, SEPTA implemented a significant reduction in service, eliminating 32 bus routes and reducing rail options due to a $213 million budget deficit linked to a lack of state funding. Alongside service reductions, SEPTA raised fares by 21.5%, further complicating access to affordable transportation for many in the city. The cuts had an immediate effect on students, who faced longer commutes, earlier departures from home, and additional walking or transfers to reach their schools.

Student and Community Challenges

Many students reported disruptions and added difficulties due to the altered schedules and service gaps. Some had to wake up earlier and walk longer distances, while others faced overcrowded buses or missed stops. School officials have expressed understanding of the hardship these changes have caused and assured families that students will not be penalized for lateness due to transit issues beyond their control. The district has encouraged alternative travel arrangements such as carpooling and use of a flat-rate program that provides eligible families with financial support for school transportation.

City and Leadership Response

Philadelphia city leaders, including Mayor Cherelle Parker, acknowledged the challenges caused by the transit cuts and are hopeful that ongoing negotiations with state lawmakers will lead to increased funding and further service improvements. The city is committed to monitoring traffic patterns and transit usage as the restored routes resume to ensure better reliability for students and other SEPTA riders. Officials emphasized the pressing need to address the transit funding gap to prevent further disruptions planned for early 2026.

Looking Ahead

The restoration of key bus routes on September 2 represents a critical step toward mitigating the impact of summer service cuts on Philadelphia’s school community. While the funding shortfall remains a serious challenge, this targeted intervention reflects a collaborative effort to prioritize student transportation and keep education accessible. Parents, students, and educators alike are hopeful that continued investment and advocacy will bring about a more stable and comprehensive transit system in the coming months.

This development promises to make the journey to school a bit easier for thousands of Philadelphia students as they continue to adjust to the new school year amid a changing transit landscape.