PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The first phase of major service reductions for SEPTA will go into effect on Sunday, due to a $213 million deficit this fiscal year for the transit agency in Philadelphia.

Earlier this month, SEPTA officials said that if they were not able to secure funding by August 14, they would be forced to move forward with the cuts.

That includes a 20% cut to all services, including the elimination of 32 bus routes and significant reductions in trips on rail modes.

The August 24 service cuts are just the first of several steps the transit agency will take this year in response to the budget shortfall.

SEPTA will ultimately be cutting 45% of all service and raising fares by 20%.

The SEPTA cuts come as students across Philadelphia prepare for the first day of school on Mon

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