SEPTA would shutter the Cynwyd, Chestnut Hill West, Paoli/Thorndale, Trenton and Wilmington/Newark lines. Service across its five-county area would be cut by 45%, driving away customers and impacting fare revenues, Sauer said.

Facing a $213 million funding gap in next year's budget, SEPTA on Thursday announced the potential for major 45% service cuts and fare hikes that would take effect without an increase in funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.