How a Historic Philly Innovation Became a Loss for Philly Fandom
When Pennsylvania downpours serenade the skies directly over the Center City Philadelphia , it almost looks like the statue of William Penn is depositing a (little more) goodwill over our city.
Philadelphia’s sports fans — the finest in all of the world (if I do say so myself) who have given their heart and soul to our city’s sports teams for over 150 years — have always relied on public transportation for dependable transportation to and from a game. Not anymore.
A temporary stay on SEPTA cuts issued by the courts last week presents only a pause on regional rail cuts and rate hikes that will deliver a harsh impact on commuter services, tourism, and sports and events access in and around Philadelphia. It was one thing when all of our major sports franchises were herded into the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Soon, you won’t even be able to get there reliably.
Last week — just days before the start of the college football season, days after Philadelphia’s Colleges and Universities had move-in days, just days before the opening of the Eagles and Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night — plan cuts to SEPTA service including regional rail, buses, and subway have gone into effort in an attempt to make up for a nearly $213 million shortfall (the shortfall itself will soon force an almost 22% rate hike to riders as well).
A paralysis of Philadelphia’s public transportation system isn’t who we are.
Our regional rail system, going as far back as the 1830s, didn’t just help to fuel the national rail system — it helped to innovate it. Ten months before all of America’s eyes are on the home where our Independence was born , its most dedicated fanbase will potentially be unable to move around the City.
Back in 2025 — as the World Champion Philadelphia Eagles prepare to battle their division rival as an opening match en route to competing for another — the experience of seeing them this year and beyond has been encased with complexity.
As we stand on the SEPTA platform waiting for fewer, packed trains , my overarching feeling isn’t just the stench of nearly 22% rate hikes or the loss of transportation routes that have existed in some form around (Philadelphia) for nearly a hundred years.
It’s the betrayal of our history.
It’s a betrayal of us.
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