Delaware's SEPTA Service is at Risk

Attention New Castle County Chamber of Commerce Members!

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has released a funding scenario in which SEPTA Regional Rail service to the four stations in New Castle County would be significantly reduced in August of 2025 along with a 21.5% fare increase on remaining services. In addition, the service would be fully terminated in January of 2026 if SEPTA does not receive the required funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Legislature to remedy a $213 million budget deficit. 

The State of Delaware directly funds all SEPTA Regional Rail services from south of Marcus Hook, PA to Newark, DE.  In FY ’24, Delaware spent approximately $12 million in operating, access, and capital expenses to both SEPTA and Amtrak for the Delaware segment of the SEPTA Wilmington/Newark Line. Delaware was able to offset this amount by close to $3 million from fare credits generated by the approximately 1,300 Delawareans that use commuter rail daily for employment, medical, education and entertainment purposes. 

SEPTA has petitioned the Pennsylvania Legislature for the needed additional funding with the support of Pennsylvania’s Governor Shapiro. So far, the Pennsylvania Senate has not passed a funding solution. SEPTA has scheduled public hearings for May 19 & 20 and we are asking for New Castle County Chamber of Commerce members to support SEPTA’s funding request by providing comments to the following dedicated website, https://www.septa.org/news/public-hearings/. Written comments will be accepted through May 28, 2025. The SEPTA Board will meet in late June 2025 to discuss and pass a new budget which will be based on funding levels at that time.

Funding crisis never comes at a good time, but please keep in mind that our region will host multiple events in 2026 which will be attended by national and international audiences.  Philadelphia will be the site for FIFA World Cup matches, the Semi quincentennial Anniversary of the United States of America, MLB All-Star Game and PGA Championship. These events are projected to bring millions of visitors into our region who will also depend on the highest levels of mass transit services. 

Please let us know if you have any questions and we thank you for your support. If you would like to meet or schedule a phone call to discuss further, please let us know.

- New Castle County Chamber of Commerce

(302) 737-4343 | info@ncccc.com