Pennsylvania lawmakers now have only a few more hours to reach a deal to secure funding to cover SEPTA’s $213 million budget deficit before the transit agency implements planned service cuts and fare hikes that they described as a “death spiral” which will impact approximately 800,000 daily riders.

SEPTA plans to reduce services and increase fares due to funding issues. From August 24, numerous bus routes will be cut or shortened, rail trips reduced by 20%, and fares will rise by 21.5% starting September 1.