Phillies fans among last to catch Sports Express Train before SEPTA service cuts

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Phillies fans who were getting off the train at NRG station for Sunday’s game knew they wouldn’t have the Sports Express Trains as an option for much longer. Now that SEPTA service cuts have gone into effect, the Sports Express Trains are going away.

Fans say riding the train is a convenient way to get to the event without the hassle of driving or parking.

“On the way down it was great,” said Dylan Dienstbier of Fitler Square as he got off the train and headed into Citizens Bank Park.

Jesse Montero took the train from Brooklyn with his son to watch the Phillies play

“It was a long train ride,” Montero’s son said with a smile as his dad held him.

“But it was convenient for us though,” said Montero.

SEPTA service cuts are the reason behind the ending of the Sports Express Trains. The transportation agency is facing a budget deficit of more than $200 million. Pennsylvania lawmakers have been in a stalemate, unable to agree on a bill to pass for transportation funding.

“We’re upset that we’re losing the train. We may have to come to these events in traffic. Honestly, we probably won’t come to these events,” said Nicholas Zerbo of Manayunk.

Typically, SEPTA would add three or four extra trains for Phillies games and 10 additional trains for the Eagles games.

AAA is advising fans to come up with a plan.

“How are you going to get there,” says Jana Tidwell with AAA Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs, “Is it a ride share? Is somebody going to drop you off? Or are you now going to need to get there sooner to pay for parking?”

At the 69th Street Transportation Center, there was talk of not just how the cuts affect games but people’s lives.

“There’s more things important than the Eagles game,” said Paul Williams of North Philadelphia noting because of reduced service on the El, he didn’t know how he’d get home from work.

“Even though the Eagles game is important, a lot of people gonna lose their jobs behind SEPTA,” he said.

The Sports Express Trains are scheduled to be completely cut at the end of the month. That means no trains for the Eagles season kickoff next Thursday, September 4th.

“It’s going to be brutal. I don’t know if we’re going to take the train to an Eagles game and stuff,” said Charlie Bono of Conshohocken.

“I’m glad I’m not coming to that game because I think it’ll kind of be a nightmare getting here,” said Sara Keefer of Manayunk.

Sports fans are now tasked with developing their own game plan to get to the games.

“It’s a bummer for sure,” said Bono. “I don’t want to drive down here in the traffic and stuff.”

AAA warns that the service cuts will also cause traffic to be heavier daily and especially on game days. They say fans should start planning to give themselves some extra time when headed to sports events in the city.