Image by Lee Hall.

A recent court order put the brakes on service cuts and 21.5% fare hikes from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA). The transit agency has been hamstringing its riders, claiming Pennsylvania lawmakers have left SEPTA with a funding deficit of more than $200 million.

Philadelphia’s service-cutting plan is reportedly more drastic than any other plan laid out by a major U.S. transit agency so far.

To make matters more grotesque, SEPTA’s service cuts took effect on the first day of the school year, even though tens of thousands of students depend on public transit. After predictable chaos ensued, Philadelphia tapped its own funds to support transit routes that serve schools.

Who knows what’s next? Workers, students, people who can’t or don’t drive, and those just trying to save the climate…All have been shown just how little our needs and commitments matter.

Now, I wonder. Will our supposed representatives, our purported public servants, spare or eliminate the bus I........

© CounterPunch