SEPTA riders are suing to stop service cuts
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A group of SEPTA riders is heading to court to try to halt the transit agency's doomsday service cuts, per a letter obtained by Axios.
Why it matters: After lawmakers failed to reach a deal to prevent the service disruption, residents are pursuing a last-ditch effort that has been successful in the past.
Driving the news: SEPTA started reducing service by 20% this week, but a group led by the city's former consumer advocate, Lance Haver, hopes to obtain a court order stopping SEPTA from implementing the cuts.
- The group argues the cuts have a "severe disparate impact" on people of color and lower-income riders, their attorney George Bochetto wrote in a Sunday letter warning the agency of impending legal action — first reported by independent journalist Ralph Cipriano on his Big Trial blog.
- A lawsuit hadn't yet been filed as of Monday afternoon.
What they're saying: Bochetto tells Axios he also plans to argue the law that created SEPTA is unconstitutional because it gives the agency too much unchecked power.
- He calls the cuts an "intimidation tactic" that unfairly targets Philadelphians.
- Bochetto says SEPTA has $390 million in reserve funds that could be used to head off the cuts.
The other side: SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch tells Axios the agency has reviewed the letter, but declined to comment further.
The big picture: State lawmakers remain gridlocked over a deal to boost funding for the beleaguered state agency, which is dealing with a $213 million budget shortfall.
- Meanwhile, SEPTA advocates, labor officials and some Democrats have organized protests against GOP senators that they believe are holding up a deal.
- The cuts are expected to take a toll on the region, causing more travel headaches as students head back to school.
The intrigue: The transit riders' tactic has worked before. City lawsuits stopped similar SEPTA cuts in 2004 and prevented fare increases in 2007.
What we're watching: The group plans to file a complaint seeking an injunction in the coming days.
- Meanwhile, SEPTA will hike fares by 21.5% on average for all riders on Sept. 1.