Less than two weeks after SEPTA began implementing its new plan for fiscal solvency, a judge said Thursday the transit agency must immediately reverse major service cuts. However, the ruling allows the proposed 20% fare hikes to continue.

On Aug. 24, SEPTA eliminated 32 bus routes and reduced service by 20%. Eight routes commonly ridden by students to get to school were restored with an allocation of city funds days later. Fare increases and additional cuts to Regional Rail lines had been set to go into effect on Monday, Sept. 1, but were stopped by an earlier court ruling on Friday.

Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Sierra Thomas-Street didn't provide an opinion explaining the reasoning for her decision. Her ruling was initiated by a lawsuit filed on behalf of three SEPTA riders by

See Full Page