August 2025 brought an end to fifty-one consecutive months of year over year ridership growth (April 2021 – July 2025) as system-wide ridership decreased 2% from August 2024.
Average daily ridership was 662,094 unlinked passenger trips across all modes.
Ridership declined by 13,718 unlinked trips per weekday.
Bus ridership declined by 1% or approximately 3,428 unlinked trips relative to this time last year. Saturday ridership was up by 2% and Sunday increased by 5% despite weekday losses.
Metro ridership declined by approximately 5% or roughly 12,000 trips relative to this time last year. Weekday ridership was down 4% or 7,561 average weekday trips.
The ridership decline can be attributed to the service cuts and route eliminations during the final week of the month and the Trolley Tunnel Closure being in effect until 8/11. During the final week of August ridership declined on Bus and almost all Metro lines. Overall ridership on Bus and Metro was 17% below our forecasted ridership for the week before Labor day.
Regional Rail ridership increased by 2% or approximately 1,428 additional passengers relative to this time last year. The Chestnut Hill East Line was suspended for approximately three months including the month of August. Service was restored in September 2025.
Approval to use state capital assistance allowed SEPTA to restore service effective September 14, 2025. This included the 32 bus routes that were eliminated, the entirety of the 16 bus routes that were shortened, 20% service reductions, and special service like the Mann Loop and express trains to the Sports Complex.
This is not the long-term funding solution SEPTA needed but it restores the service our customers and region deserve.
We will continue the fight to secure the resources our system needs to guarantee the future of public transit in our region so that we can continue to meet or exceed expectations. We appreciate your ridership and for sticking with us during this challenging time. Your patience and support mean a lot as we work to restore the reliable, stable service our riders deserve.