City, SEPTA to Restore School Transportation Service Using Existing Operating Subsidy from FY26 Budget

Philadelphia will restore SEPTA school transportation services starting September 2, utilizing part of a $135 million transit subsidy from the FY26 budget. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker highlighted the city's commitment to ensuring that students can get to school on time and safely. The plan will reinstate priority routes, addressing crowding on bus lines that serve a significant number of students. Routes 14, 20, and 23 will see immediate service augmentations, with additional routes like 84 and 88 expected to follow by mid-September.

This effort aligns with the city's response to the recent budget cutbacks affecting school transportation. SEPTA has collaborated with the Transportation Workers Union Local 234 to operationalize the service restoration. The ongoing Pennsylvania state budget impasse remains dynamic, prompting officials to encourage community engagement for transit updates. Ensuring reliable transportation is vital for facilitating students' engagement in learning and extracurricular activities.