In a bold move to advocate for better public transit, Philadelphians are embarking on a 24-hour journey aboard SEPTA, hoping to draw attention to the need for improvements in the city’s transportation system. This initiative comes as riders and advocates express concerns about the future of SEPTA, following a summer that showcased the agency’s capacity to handle large crowds.

The recent success of SEPTA in transporting over 155,000 riders to and from FIFA World Cup matches in June and July has highlighted the potential of the city’s public transit. However, advocates worry that this momentum could be threatened by the lack of dedicated transit funding in the new state budget.

Community Gathers to Share SEPTA Experiences

Hours after Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 budget into law on July 12 without additional funding for public transit, the community came together at Studio 34 in West Philadelphia for “Doors Are Opening: A SEPTA Healing.” This live event invited transit riders to share their experiences with SEPTA through stories, poetry, and music.

The event, organized by Philadelphia physician Michal Pearl Waldfogel and advocacy group Transit Forward Philadelphia provided a platform for participants to express their successes and frustrations with SEPTA. Rebecca Lopez Kriss, a performer at the event, emphasized the importance of flexibility when riding transit, stating, “When you ride transit, you are figuratively and literally along for the ride — so you have to be flexible.”

Transit as a Public Health Issue

Waldfogel, a fourth-generation Philadelphian, shared her experiences with SEPTA, including a song she wrote in that channeled her frustration with the system. The song, inspired by SEPTA’s slogan “We’re Getting There,” resonated with many riders who felt the same way. Waldfogel believes that transit is a public health issue, and without adequate funding, high-population areas like Southeastern Pennsylvania are at risk.

SEPTA’s Summer Success and Future Challenges

Despite the concerns about funding, SEPTA officials struck an optimistic tone during their regular board meeting. The agency recognized employees for keeping the system running smoothly during major events, including six FIFA World Cup matches, the MLB All-Star Game, and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

SEPTA’s strong performance extended beyond these headline events. Average weekday ridership climbed to 733,000 trips in June, up 4% from the previous year. Revenue finished the fiscal year 4.9% above budget, demonstrating the agency’s ability to manage its resources effectively.

Building on Momentum

General Manager and CEO Scott Sauer expressed confidence in building on this summer’s success, despite the uncertainty over state funding. He emphasized the need for further investment in SEPTA, stating, “I’m confident we can build on our positive momentum, and clearly demonstrate why SEPTA is worthy of further investment.”

The SEPTA General Board recently approved a budget that advances the agency’s Bus Revolution system redesign. This initiative aims to improve service to growing job centers while eliminating underused routes. However, riders urged SEPTA to carefully balance system modernization with preserving the service patterns that longtime Philadelphians have come to depend on.

Riders’ Perspectives

Yejide Fagoroye, a rising senior at Temple University and Transit Forward Philadelphia intern, shared her struggles with navigating SEPTA after moving to Philadelphia from out of state. She urged SEPTA to make the system more predictable and give riders the same peace of mind they expect from ride-hailing services.

Alex Wilson, a graduate student at Drexel University, highlighted the impact of FIFA on transit improvements. He acknowledged the positive changes but questioned the long-term benefits for lifelong Philadelphia residents, stating, “It takes something like FIFA to impact change for people who have lived in the city their entire lives.”

Advocates Push for Bipartisan Support

As Philadelphia transitions back to its normal rhythms, organizers of the “Doors Are Opening” event hope that SEPTA will continue to improve. Stephen Bronskill, a representative for Transit Forward Philadelphia, emphasized the urgency of securing bipartisan support for transit funding, stating, “We have less than a year to get our elected officials to make this a bipartisan priority, but we really need them to do their job so we can get to ours.”

The 24-hour SEPTA ride serves as a powerful statement from the community, highlighting the need for better public transit and the determination of Philadelphians to advocate for change.