Cuts to Philadelphia's mass transit system, SEPTA, are beginning to cause disruptions for commuters and students. CBS News Philadelphia reporter Wakisha Bailey has the latest.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia's public transit system, SEPTA, has implemented significant service cuts after the Pennsylvania state legislature did not provide additional funding. Service has already been reduced by 20%, with further reductions expected to reach 45% in the near future. 

These changes are impacting commuters and students, many of whom rely on public transportation for work and school. Some residents are facing increased transportation costs and are considering alternative arrangements, while city officials are seeking solutions to maintain school attendance amid the disruptions.

Commuters, students feel impact of Philadelphia mass transit cuts

Commuters and students in Philadelphia are just left scrambling this morning after major cuts to the city's transit system. Now, this comes after Pennsylvania's state legislature failed to secure additional funding for SEPTA, that's the region's transportation authority. Service has already been cut by 20% and those reductions will increase to 45% by the beginning of next year. CBS News Philadelphia reporter Rakesha Bailey has been reporting on this and joins us now. Rakesha, good morning to you. You know, many folks will know that Philly is a commuter city. It's also the first week of school. So help us understand how all of this is impacting folks where you are. Yeah, good morning Errol, that's right. You said 20% cutbacks with SEPTA, major transportation hub here. Now, this is how people get to and from work. They get to their doctor's appointments, kids, along with starting school, which started yesterday. So now folks are scrambling trying to figure out how to get to and from and navigate the city. So we're hearing folks are, number one, it's just a big headache and it's also putting, you know, a hit in their pockets as some are forced to take, you know, dry chairs, which can cost them and they can't keep that up. Other people are telling us they may have to rethink their jobs because they are just too far. Now, people use SEPTA to get to and from outside of Philadelphia as well as to other parts of Philadelphia. And as far as schools go, well, one of the areas that the city is also struggling with is school attendance with our students. So now the city's also forced to try to figure out how to come up with alternative routes and means for these students to get to school who also rely on some of these routes that have been disturbed. Wow, so much disruption. We hope that things get sorted out and soon. Rakeshia Bailey, thank you for your life. Thank you for having me.

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