PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The crisis surrounding SEPTA service cuts is now part of a lawsuit.
On Wednesday morning, consumer advocates and two SEPTA riders sued the transit agency.
The lawsuit claims the financial crisis is made up, and the cuts unlawfully place a greater burden on people of color and low-income communities.
"That is complete and total bunk," read a portion of the filing. "SEPTA uses cash from the Service Stabilization Fund on a daily basis, treating the fund - to use SEPTA's words - as a "checking account." SEPTA is deliberately choosing not to use these funds to create the proverbial "Doomsday" scenario, holding its riders hostage until the legislators in Harrisburg give in to SEPTA's financial demands."
Attorney George Bochetto filed the emergency motion for a temporary restraining order.
SEPTA issued the following statement to Action News:
"SEPTA conducted a full equity analysis in accordance with all applicable regulations before proposing the plan for service cuts and fare increases to address our structural budget deficit. There has also been an extensive public process and education campaign surrounding the proposal, along with a series of public hearings that were overseen by an independent examiner. As we have said consistently, SEPTA did not want to take these steps. However, service cuts and fare increases are a necessary part of a larger plan to balance the budget. SEPTA is committed to continuing to work with Governor Shapiro and lawmakers on a transit funding solution."
Phase 1 of SEPTA's cuts began August 24 due to a $213 million deficit this fiscal year, the agency says. The cuts are reducing service by 20% across buses, trolleys, and subway lines, and the elimination of express services to the sports complex in South Philadelphia.
A 21.5% fare increase goes into effect Monday, and starting Tuesday, Regional Rail will see reduced service.