SEPTA’s death spiral: Is public transit doomed?

Public transit connects neighborhoods and cities, it gets you to work or to your loved ones. But what happens if funding runs low? Or services are cut?

Air Date: November 20, 2024

The Market Frankford train approaches Somerset Station. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

SEPTA is grappling with a critical situation, according to the agency’s interim general manager, who describes it as a death spiral. What does this mean for our transit system? How did we arrive at this point, and what does the future hold for public transportation in our area? With pandemic relief funds drying up and the system encountering significant staffing hurdles, we explore the current state of SEPTA. CEO Leslie Richards is set to step down at the end of the month, up to 30% fare increases are looming over the system, coupled with substantial service reductions. We’ll discuss how this cost-cutting strategy could affect the transit system and the broader economy of our region. Our big question of the hour: Should we increase our investment in public transit? If so, what approach should we take?

Guests

Thomas Fitzgerald, transportation reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer

Megan Ryerson, professor and chair of the Department of City and Regional Planning at the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.