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USA Today
2 days ago
- General
- USA Today
At least 40 city buses catch fire at Philadelphia SEPTA facility
At least 40 city buses catch fire at Philadelphia SEPTA facility Show Caption Hide Caption Blaze burns through SEPTA buses at depot A huge fire erupted at a SEPTA bus depot in Philadelphia's Nicetown neighborhood Thursday morning. Fox - Fox 29 More than 150 firefighters in Eastern Pennsylvania battled a massive blaze at a major Philadelphia transportation depot yard after dozens of buses went up in flames at the yard in the early hours of June 5. The fire broke out sometime around 6 a.m. ET at Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's (SEPTA) facility in the 2400 block of Roberts Avenue near Pulaski Avenue, the Philadelphia Fire Department reported. The facility is in the city's Nicetown-Tioga neighborhood, about seven miles north of downtown. Shortly before 6:30 a.m. ET, firefighters responded to the depot for a report of multiple buses on fire, SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer told CBS News. At the scene, SEPTA worked to pull out unaffected buses to facilitate better access for firefighters, PFD said. Initially reported as a two-alarm fire at 6:30 a.m., the number of vehicles on fire, coupled with large plumes of black smoke, quickly escalated the situation to a three-alarm fire. Firefighters confirmed that they had the scene under control by 8:10 a.m. What caused the Philadelphia bus fire? The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation by the Fire Marshal's Office. The fire destroyed approximately 40 buses, including 15 decommissioned electric buses, which Sauer suggested could explain how the fire started. A similar electric bus caught fire in 2022 at a separate SEPTA depot, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The buses that caught fire were "getting ready to go to the scrap heap," said Andrew Busch, SEPTA's director of communication. What is SEPTA? SEPTA is a public transportation authority servicing five counties in and around Philadelphia. It was created by the state's legislature in 1963 and is one of two transit authorities in the United States that operates all five major types of terrestrial transit vehicles: regional rail, buses, trolleys, subways and a high-speed line. According to its website, the authority connects to transit systems in New Jersey and Delaware. This story has been updated to include new information. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
SEPTA budget cuts: Philly leaders join riders, employees in rally for full funding of transit agency
The Brief SEPTA riders, employees and state lawmakers rallied Friday against proposed cuts to SEPTA service. They say there needs to be full funding for SEPTA in the upcoming state budget. Along Regional Rail, cuts could be devastating. CENTER CITY - SEPTA officials announced their new budget proposal Thursday, which includes a total of 45 percent in service cuts and a 21.5 percent fare increase, if a new, sustainable funding solution cannot be agreed upon. Friday, Philadelphia lawmakers joined SEPTA riders and employees in denouncing the new budget proposal and pressed lawmakers in Harrisburg to step in and support the transit agency, thereby supporting riders and employees. What we know Supporters of SEPTA huddled from the rain under the Philadelphia City Hall arch Friday as they rallied for full funding for the agency now facing self-imposed service cuts in the face of limited state funding. Chants heard at high school football games were put in service of SEPTA as politicians and transit advocates gathered for that rally. City Council President Kenyetta Johnson said, "There's no way, not on my watch, not on my watch are we going to decimate the funding and services SEPTA will provide when the world will be here in the city of Philadelphia." By the numbers More than $200 million in the hole and a Republican majority in the Pennsylvania Senate pressing for cuts in SEPTA's funding, SEPTA has rolled-out an austere 2026 budget slashing services by 45 percent coming in waves. Interim SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer/Interim SEPTA General Manager said Thursday, "By January 1st, we'll begin implementing further cuts: 18 more bus routes for a total of 50 eliminated in the budget year, five regional rail lines including the Paoli-Thorndale which is one of our busiest in the system." 15,000 riders on average use the Paoli-Thorndale line on a weekday. It and four other Regional Rail lines would be scrapped, pulling 31,000 daily riders off the system. Rider Dan Die said, "In the past three years I regularly take the line. It's very convenient and affordable. I think it's a great plus for me, personally." Dig deeper SEPTA says it's targeted the five rail lines due to the $65 million yearly it spends renting the tracks from owner AMTRAK. SEPTA rider Tyler Holland said, "It would be very bad for me because I need the bus. They've got to spend the money on something, if they're not spending on that, they're not helping me." The Republican state senate leader, Joe Pittman, writes of SEPTA's budget woes, "…This burden should not be placed entirely on Pennsylvania taxpayers, most of whom do not live within the service region…" What's next Next stop Harrisburg, for the budget battle under the Capitol Dome.
Axios
10-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
SEPTA braces for big cuts, fare hike amid budget crisis
Philadelphia's transit agency SEPTA is facing a doomsday series of cutbacks amid a $213 million budget shortfall this year. Why it matters: The proposed cuts and fare hikes could upend Philly's public transit system, making commutes more expensive and less convenient. Driving the news: SEPTA forecasts slashing service by 45% while hiking fares 21.5% unless the budget gap is filled in the coming fiscal year, which starts in July, transit officials said at a news conference Thursday. Plus: All rail service would end at 9pm. Future years would likely bring more cuts along with the closure of facilities, like bus districts. What they're saying:"All this would leave our city and region with a SEPTA that is a shadow of itself," SEPTA's interim general manager Scott Sauer said at the news conference. State of play: The agency needs at least $168 million in new state funding — which Gov. Josh Shapiro has proposed in his budget. SEPTA officials would get additional contributions from local governments, while ongoing cost-cutting efforts and less significant fare increases could help bridge the remaining spending gap. Context: It's déjà vu for SEPTA. Last year, state Republican lawmakers in the Senate balked at SEPTA officials' calls to develop long-term funding for the transit agency to stave off big annual budget deficits. The causes of SEPTA's budget woes are many, which include the loss of COVID relief funding, rise in costs and drop in ridership post-pandemic. Yes, but: Before SEPTA gave the green light on big cuts and fare hikes last year, Shapiro unilaterally redirected $153 million in federal highway funding to the transit agency. The intrigue: Shapiro will have to get any future funding increases for SEPTA through a divided government. While Democrats control the state House, Republicans hold the Senate. How it works: The first round of SEPTA changes would start Aug. 24, including: 🚌 Elimination of 32 bus routes, coupled with shortening 16 routes and reducing service on 88 more. 🚇 Service cuts on Regional Rail, Broad Street and Market-Frankford Lines, as well as trolley lines. 💰 Meanwhile, fare increases would hit Sept. 1. Pay-per-ride prices for bus and Metro fares would reach $2.90, up from $2.50. Monthly TrailPass prices for all Regional Rail zones would rise to $255, up from $204. A second round of cuts would kick in Jan. 1, including: ❌ Elimination of five Regional Rail lines — including Paoli/Thorndale — and 18 more bus routes. 🚎 Conversion of two trolley lines into bus service. ⏰ A 9pm curfew on all rail service. Shapiro spokesperson Manuel Bonder tells Axios the governor has already proposed supporting transit across the state. "The governor has made very clear that SEPTA cuts would be devastating, and he's been clear they are completely avoidable," he said. Chellie Cameron, head of the region's chamber of commerce, said in a statement that SEPTA cuts would cause challenges for businesses. "Employers would experience increased hiring challenges. And worst of all, talent and businesses could leave the region altogether," she said.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SEPTA expands contactless payment to Regional Rail
The Brief Contactless payment is now available on SEPTA regional rail. SEPTA officials held a news conference Friday to demonstrate how it works, while also advising Key card holders keep their bankcards away from readers to prevent unintended transactions. CENTER CITY - SEPTA is expanding its contactless payment options so all you will have to do is tap your phone or smartwatch, if you don't want to use your credit or debit card. SEPTA says contactless payment on trains first launched in September 2023 and since then, it's generated over $30 million in revenue. They're now excited to bring the convenience to Regional Rail riders. What we know SEPTA is expanding contactless payment to the regional rail system. Now, riders can use Apple Pay and tap and go bank cards to pay for the bus, subway, trolley and now regional rail. "With this expansion to regional rail, SEPTA is the first commuter rail network in the country to accept contactless payments. Deploying this technology system wide is a major achievement," said Scott Sauer, SEPTA Interim General Manager. "Customers paying for regional rail or transit with Apple Pay can also use express mode. With express mode, riders do not need to wake or unlock their iPhone or Apple Watch to ride on SEPTA. Just hold the device near a reader and securely pay with Apple Pay." SEPTA officials advise Key Card Holders to keep bankcards and mobile wallets away from readers to prevent unintended charges. Regional rail riders traveling into the city must use contactless payments by tapping platform validators, as conductors cannot take contactless payments onboard the trains. "This is an environmentally friendly payment as no single use paper passes or special SEPTA fare cards are needed. Customers paying by trip with Key cards or a quick trip can now tap their contactless card or phone directly at the validator," said Tom Kelly, SEPTA Senior Director of Financial Operations. "Contactless payments reduce costs for SEPTA by lowering cash collection expenses and reducing the need for single use paper passes." What they're saying SEPTA riders tell FOX 29 they're glad tap and pay is now available on regional rail. "We live in 2025. Why not just tap and pay," said SEPTA rider Kervening Thelistin. "For example, when I go out to eat or something I use tap and pay. If I go to like a store to buy something I use tap and pay. For majority of things I use tap and pay." "Everyone has their phone on them, and it just makes it a lot easier to pay," said SEPTA rider Adrian Valdes. "I think it's a lot better. It's a lot more convenient for people. It takes a step away from having to go to a machine." "By giving our riders the option to pay their fares with what they already have in their pockets or on their wrists we're making our system more accessible to current and new customers as well as visitors to the region," said Sauer. Benefits SEPTA said contactless payments reduces costs by lowering cash collection expenses. It will also reduce single use paper passes saving money and being environmentally friendly.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Can you take SEPTA train to Eagles' victory parade Friday? Not from Newark
While Philadelphia Eagles fans in Delaware may be planning to take a SEPTA train to the championship parade this Friday, several changes have been announced to accommodate the expected crowds – including no service from Newark. SEPTA will limit stops and run express rail service Friday to and from Philadelphia. Celebrate the Eagles' Super Bowl win with our new book 'This season has been a historic one and we are excited to help our riders experience what is, no doubt going to be a historic day in Philadelphia this Friday,' said Scott Sauer, SEPTA interim general manager. 'Planning is key for all involved and we are going to do our absolute best to serve as many people as we can.' For the Wilmington/Newark line, the only stop in Delaware on Friday will be from the Wilmington train station at 100 S. French St. There's no service Friday from Newark or Churchman's Crossing, said John Goldman, SEPTA senior press officer. The rail lines will operate inbound-only to Philadelphia in the morning and outbound-only from Philadelphia after the parade. If you don't have a SEPTA key card or pass, a one-day pass is needed in advance. One-day passes for $10 are on sale at the Wilmington train station Wednesday and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The one-day tickets won't be available Friday. 'Regional rail fares cannot be purchased on the day of the parade, so riders must load up their SEPTA key card or purchase a special pass ahead of time,' Golden said. 'If not used on parade day, it can be used on another date of the customer's choosing.' The parade is scheduled to begin at about 11 a.m. on South Broad Street, continue north to City Hall and then to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A ceremony with speeches will be held in front of the museum at 2 p.m. until about 3:15 p.m. SEPTA trains from Wilmington are scheduled to depart Friday at 5:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 7:34 a.m., 8:10 a.m., 8:29 a.m. and 9:29 a.m., to the William Gray 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Return trips from 30th Street Station to Wilmington are scheduled to depart at 2:20 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:40 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 4:35 p.m., 5:05 p.m., 5:48 p.m., 6:24 p.m., 7:18 p.m., 8:01 p.m., 9:01 p.m., 10:03 p.m. and 10:47 p.m. The Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines are the best options for travel to-and-from the parade, according to SEPTA. Rides on both lines are free on Friday, thanks to support from Gran Coramino, a line of premium tequilas founded by Philadelphia native Kevin Hart. The Market-Frankford Line provides access to Center City from many suburban communities by the 69th Street Transportation Center with connections to the Norristown high speed line, the Routes 101 and 102 trolley lines and multiple bus routes. The Market-Frankford Line also connects to outlying points with bus and trackless trolley service at Frankford Transportation Center. To get to the Broad Street line, customers can connect from multiple bus routes at Fern Rock Transportation Center, Olney Transportation Center and other stations. The entire 15th Street complex will be closed including City Hall, MFL 13th Street, Metro Trolley 13th and 15th Street and Suburban Station on regional rail. A number of bus routes that operate on and around the parade route in South Philadelphia and Center City will be detoured. City trolley routes 10, 11, 13, 34 and 36 will not stop at 13th or 15th Street stations, and additional adjustments are possible. The routes 101 and 102 trolleys and the Norristown high-speed line will stop at all stations, with service every 15 minutes. CCT Paratransit will operate regular weekday service, although travel could be significantly impacted by rolling road closures and heavy pedestrian traffic. If possible, SEPTA encourages customers who are planning trips for medical care facilities near the parade route to reschedule their appointments. Buy our commemorative Eagles photo pages For details on the parade transportation options, see the "Eagles Parade" section of SEPTA's website for more details at For updates on SEPTA service, see the 'alerts' section of SEPTA's website for route-specific details at or the SEPTA app. Real-time travel updates will be posted on and @SEPTA on X before, during, and after the parade. Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: SEPTA limits train service from Delaware to Philadelphia Eagles parade
