Cuts to SEPTA’s budget could have a ripple effect on Amtrak service across Pennsylvania. An Amtrak spokesperson stated that a reduction in lease payments from SEPTA to Amtrak could lead to a deterioration in infrastructure and a decrease in authorized train operating speeds. This would negatively impact both the Keystone Service and the Pennsylvanian service, which run between Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh, as well as other Northeast Corridor services.
SEPTA, Pennsylvania’s largest transit system, is planning significant service cuts after the state legislature failed to pass a bill that would provide an additional $300 million in funding. These cuts will affect bus, trolley, and train services within the city of Philadelphia and its suburbs, as well as several regional rail lines.
The potential impact on Amtrak stems from a financial agreement between the two entities. SEPTA pays Amtrak $71 million to operate five regional rail lines on Amtrak-owned tracks: the Paoli/Thorndale, Trenton, Wilmington/Newark, Chestnut Hill West, and Cynwyd Lines.
According to a spokesperson for Amtrak, the potential reduction in SEPTA’s financial contribution would negatively impact Amtrak’s ability to reinvest in the rail network. The Pennsylvanian, a second service supported by PennDOT, uses the same tracks to connect Western Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, with Philadelphia and New York.
SEPTA’s service reductions are scheduled to begin next week, but the elimination of service on the regional rail lines that use Amtrak tracks is not slated to occur until January 1. A SEPTA spokesperson noted that the agency does not know how this will affect the Keystone Line service, but they understand that Amtrak will need to decide in the coming weeks whether to pause or postpone infrastructure projects on the line in response to the planned elimination of the lease payments.
The state budget debate, which includes funding for transit, has faced a public impasse in Harrisburg. Governor Josh Shapiro says that discussions are ongoing. An Amtrak spokesperson expressed hope for a resolution that would allow SEPTA to continue providing vital transportation services and partnerships.
