Philadelphia students will have school transportation services restored starting September 2, as the city and SEPTA reallocate part of the $135 million transit subsidy from the "One Philly 2.0" FY26 Budget. Priority routes that were cut will reopen to provide timely and safe trips for students and reduce crowding for other riders. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said, "We are proud that our City teams moved quickly with SEPTA to find a way to restore transit services in the areas where students are most affected by the cutbacks that started on the first day of school this week," according to the City of Philadelphia.
The agreement falls during a tough Pennsylvania state budget impasse, yet it demonstrates the City's commitment to supporting impacted transit riders, students in particular by restoring services on several bus lines starting September 2, including the 14, 20, 23, 26, 47, 63, 67, 70, 82, T2, and T5 routes further steps include more additions roughly by mid-September 10 business days later to optimize commute for young scholars with the resumption of the 84, 88, and six 400-level routes. SEPTA has also ensured the 31 line will run again from Overbrook Park to 63rd and Market streets, promising a schedule release later this month, as reported by the City of Philadelphia.
SEPTA and the Transportation Workers Union Local 234 are working together to restore public transit service. Residents are advised to check SEPTA's Service Cuts webpage and the City's blog for updates due to ongoing state budget issues. Mayor Parker said, "Making sure that all of our city's children and youth can get to school on time and safely is one of our top priorities. We need our students – Philadelphia's future – to be at school learning and participating in extracurricular activities without interruption or challenges." SEPTA will use part of the City’s extra operating subsidy to restore service, and updated schedules for affected routes will be available later this month, as stated by the City of Philadelphia.
