As SEPTA officials held a press conference at their headquarters to discuss upcoming service cuts Wednesday, hundreds of local activists and concerned citizens rallied at City Hall to make a final push for state funding.

Faced with a $213 million recurring deficit, SEPTA plans to cut 45% of its services in the coming year. The first round of those cuts, which includes route eliminations and reductions, is set to start on August 24. On Wednesday, SEPTA leadership said it needed an answer regarding funding by Aug. 14 in order to set schedules and update information sources.

With 18 days until service cuts are implemented , the sense of urgency among attendees and speakers to secure funding and continue services was palpable at the rally.

Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Philadelphia, introduced sp

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