SEPTA’s operating and capital budgets for fiscal year 2027 represent a path forward that is grounded in fiscal responsibility and essential investments in service quality and safety.
The $1.84 billion operating budget reflects a 1.9 percent increase in overall spending, despite continued inflation and rising operational costs. Through sustained austerity measures and efficient use of taxpayer resources, SEPTA continues to strengthen our position as a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. Annual savings from cost-mitigation measures we’ve taken have grown to $30 million, further reducing our annual structural deficit from $213 million to $192 million. We’re also maximizing new revenue streams, including advertising, parking, and fare revenues.
While this budget provides temporary stability to focus on service fundamentals – safety, reliability, and customer-first improvements – SEPTA remains committed to pursuing permanent, sustainable funding solutions to address long-term structural challenges. With stable, dedicated funding, SEPTA can transform into a modern, best-in-class transit system that supports the regional and state economy and keeps southeastern Pennsylvania moving.
FY2027 Operating Budget Highlights: Service Improvements & Safety Investments
The operating budget advances core priorities, including:
- Phased implementation of SEPTA’s cost-neutral New Bus Network
- Continued safety and security enhancements, including expanded fare-deterrent gates at 23 stations
- Customer experience improvements such as digital real-time arrival displays at select bus and trolley stops
These investments build on significant progress: serious crime has decreased by 6 percent over last year, and is down 30 percent in the first quarter of 2026, with double-digit reductions across five of eight serious crime categories.
FY2027 Capital Budget Highlights: Overall Program and More
The capital budget invests $920.7 million in fiscal year 2027, and $16.5 billion over 12 years in vehicles, infrastructure and financial obligations, including:
- New rail fleets: $7.7 billion for Trolley,
and Regional Rail fleet replacements and critical infrastructure needs - Reinstating bus purchases
However, SEPTA’s capital budget significantly lags behind peer transit agencies – we have one-third to one-half of the capital funding provided to peer agencies. Our backlog of $10.2 billion in State of Good Repair needs will continue to grow as long as annual investment levels remain stagnant.