PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- On day three of SEPTA's service cuts, the transit agency says the biggest impact so far is overcrowding. Operators are being forced to pass by waiting passengers, leading to longer wait times.
SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch said this week typically sees lower ridership, but that's expected to change after the Labor Day holiday.
Commuter Crisis: First round of SEPTA cuts in effect | What you need to know
"In late spring, we were at over 800,000 passenger trips per day. Ridership kept growing. That dips over the summer months, but we expect all those people are supposed to come back next week, and right now we just don't have capacity for all of them to come back," Busch said.
Phase 1 of SEPTA's cuts began Sunday, reducing service by 20% across buses, trolleys, and subway lines, and the elimination of express services to the sports complex in South Philadelphia.
MORE | Frustration grows as riders navigate challenges amid SEPTA cuts in Philadelphia
On Sept. 1, fare increases of 21.5% will take effect, followed by reduced Regional Rail service starting Sept. 2.
While city leaders urged lawmakers in Harrisburg on Monday to reach a funding agreement, Gov. Josh Shapiro appears to be warming to Senate Republicans' proposal to use the Public Transit Trust Fund to help fill SEPTA's $213 million deficit, an idea Democrats initially opposed.
On Monday, Shapiro told reporters he was willing to transfer funding as part of a broader package that includes recurring support and addresses needs across all counties.
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On Tuesday, SEPTA responded to the governor's comments.
"Glad to see it sounds like there is some common ground being found and hopeful that's going to lead to an agreement," Busch said.
Several state Senate Republicans from the region also issued a joint statement:
"Despite all the rhetoric and misinformation coming from the other side of the aisle, we appreciate Governor Shapiro's clear acknowledgement yesterday that PTTF funds can be part of the solution to SEPTA's financial crisis. That was the very intent of our August 12 legislation-to utilize these funds available while implementing stronger accountability and safety measures. The needless stress being placed on students, families, riders, and workers is both absurd and entirely avoidable. Now it's time for those same elected officials that are spreading falsehoods to stop playing politics and join us and the governor in working toward a solution SEPTA desperately needs."