PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Now that the deadline to secure additional funding from the state has come and gone, SEPTA is urging riders to get ready for major changes.

SEPTA's self-imposed deadline expired Thursday, and now the transit agency is moving forward with deep service cuts and higher fares.

The first of the changes kicks in on Aug. 24 , just one day before Philadelphia students head back to school.

SEPTA says it will have ambassadors at busy stops starting Monday to help riders plan. Officials are urging people to utilize their website and app .

"We have a trip planning feature where you can plug in your route or destination and see what will be the best option for you on the 24th," said SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch. "If you have a bus route eliminated, it's going to s

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