SEPTA is pressing forward with more fare hikes and service cuts in 2025 amid its ballooning budget deficit.

Why it matters: The agency is facing the beginning of a "transit death spiral," COO Scott Sauer told reporters Tuesday.

Driving the news: SEPTA announced a new proposal that would hike fares by 21.5% starting Jan. 1, followed by a 20% decline in overall service later next year.

• The agency has yet to finalize service cuts, but it's planning to eliminate dozens of routes across bus, trolley and subway services, all of which will run less often in 2025.

Meanwhile, SEPTA's board will consider a separate 7.5% fare increase next week that would take effect Dec. 1.

What they're saying: "We are managing the decline of SEPTA," Sauer said during the news conference Tuesday.

• He noted the measures won't close SEPTA's approximately $187 million budget deficit this year and could reduce ridership, likely leading to more cutbacks.

How we got here: The transit agency's deficit is fueled by the end of federal COVID relief funding, inflation, and a drop in ridership post-pandemic.

• Pennsylvania legislators balked at Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposal to funnel more money to the transit agency in this year's budget.

By the numbers: As of September, bus ridership has rebounded to 80% of pre-pandemic levels, while metro is lagging at 70% and Regional Rail at 61%.

Behind the scenes: Talks between state lawmakers and SEPTA officials over more funding for the transit agency have stalled.

• The state House and Senate wrap up their 2024 sessions this week.

What's ahead: SEPTA is facing a leadership shake-up and the threat of a worker strike.

• The agency's general manager and CEO Leslie S. Richards will step down Nov. 29. Sauer will take over on an interim basis as SEPTA searches for a new leader.
• SEPTA's largest union remains locked in negotiations with the agency over a new contract to avoid a strike that would cripple service in Philly.

What we're hearing: Shapiro, a Democrat, said he would sign a funding increase for SEPTA if the GOP-controlled state Senate approves it, the governor's spokesperson Manuel Bonder tells Axios.

• State Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, a Republican, tells Axios that SEPTA must take steps to increase safety and efficiency before the chamber considers any additional taxpayer dollars for the agency.

What's next: The agency's board will hold a public hearing on the new fare hikes on Dec. 13 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

• A final vote is expected later in December.

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Nearly a quarter of Pennsylvania's new residents were from foreign counties in 2023, per recent Census migration data.

The big picture: Coastal states, border states and states with some of America’s biggest cities saw the biggest influxes of new residents from foreign countries last year.

Why it matters: Immigration is a pressing political issue across the U.S. — one President-elect Trump has promised to crack down on in his new administration.

By the numbers: The data tracks all the people who moved from one state to another plus those who moved to the U.S. from abroad. Of all those movers — close to 32.5 million — nearly a quarter were immigrants or Americans who had been living in a foreign country a year ago.

• California saw the highest share of new residents from foreign countries at 42%. Montana had the smallest at 7%.

Worth noting: The Census data attempts to capture all residents of the U.S., regardless of their legal status, though undocumented immigrants might be less likely to participate.

Nothing gets Philadelphians in the spirit quite like the arrival of their holiday tree.

Driving the news: The city kicks off the holiday season at 11am today with the much-feted arrival of a 50-foot tree that'll be the centerpiece outside City Hall through Jan. 1.

• The 55-year-old white fir is being hauled in on a flatbed truck from Yule Tree Farms in Hornell, New York — a 300-mile trek.

Flashback: This is the ninth year the tree will stand in a custom 7-foot-tall steel base.

• The illuminated base is being refreshed this year and will showcase holiday messages translated into multiple languages.

What's ahead: Philly's tree-lighting ceremony is Dec. 5 from 6-8pm at City Hall.

Spread the joy

🕯️ Ever wonder what Philly smells like? Take a whiff of the "Philadelphia Experience Collection," a candle collab between Philadelphia Visitors Center and Color & Flame. 

• The candles have names like "South Philly Sunday Dinner" and "The Steps," an ode to the hallowed Art Museum ground where Rocky pilgrims come to pay their respects. (NBC 10)

🚶🏽‍♀️ Car-free streets are returning to nearly seven blocks around Rittenhouse Square on Dec. 8 and 15, per the Center City District. Plan for activities and entertainment during prime holiday shopping days.

💼 Only four women held CEO roles among the Philly metro's top 100 public companies in 2023, up from three the previous year, according to a new report from the Forum of Executive Women.

🏀 Joel Embiid made his season debut in last night's 111-99 loss to the Knicks, the team that knocked the Sixers out of the playoffs last season. (Inquirer)

Lego enthusiasts will LOVE this.

Driving the news: The toy company has released a 3D version of Robert Indiana's iconic LOVE sculpture, which celebrates its 55th anniversary next year. 

• The set ($79.99) is available for pre-order, with shipments beginning Jan. 1.

By the numbers: The model includes 791 pieces and measures 10x10x2.5 inches.

The bottom line: Now we just need a Portal add-on.

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