SEPTA service cuts must be reversed immediately, judge says

By Abraham Gutman and Andrew Seidman, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

PHILADELPHIA — SEPTA must reverse all cuts to services immediately, a Philadelphia judge ruled Thursday.

Judge Sierra Thomas Street ordered SEPTA to “immediately reverse all service cuts,” which began last month as the transit agency faces a significant financial shortfall and the state budget has not yet allocated funds amid a monthslong budget stalemate. SEPTA cut 32 bus routes, shortened 16 others, and trimmed service across the board.

The judge’s order applies to route cuts, service reductions, and staffing reductions, but does not apply to proposed fare increases. The agency is also barred from implementing any new cuts.

SEPTA didn’t have any immediate comment Thursday evening, but the agency could appeal the ju