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SEPTA’s financial turmoil spills over to possibly hit consumers
SEPTA’s budget shortfall is impacting customers with proposed fair increases along with a curtailing of services.
PHILADELPHIA - Philly commuters could be kicking off the New Year with some hefty fees to get around the city.
SEPTA officials gathered Tuesday to announce the proposal of "historically high" fare increases and major service cuts to combat a hefty $240 million budget deficit.
The proposal would increase fares by a total of 29 percent, and reduce service by 20 percent across all modes of transportation.
How much and when?
Bus and METRO pay-per-ride fares
- SEPTA Key will increase from $2 to $2.50 on December 1, then $2.90 on January 1, 2025
- Quick Trip and cash will increase from $2.50 to $2.90 on January 1, 2025
Regional Rail SEPTA key pay-per-ride fares
- Zone 1 will increase from $3.75 to $4 on December 1, and $5 on January 1, 2025
- Zone 2 will increase from $4.75 to $5.50 on December 1, and $6.50 on January 1, 2025
- Zone 3 will increase from $5.75 to $6.50 on December 1, and $7.75 on January 1, 2025
- Zone 4 will increase from $6.50 to $7.50 on December 1, and $8.75 on January 1, 2025
Check SEPTA's website for a full summary of the increased proposals.
A vote on the December increase is expected next week as SEPTA officials say this is the beginning of a "transit death spiral" that could continue to be painful for customers.
Those customers can attend public hearings regarding the increases on December 13 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
SEPTA fare adjustments: What you need to know about proposed changes
SEPTA has announced a number of proposed fare adjustments and the end of some discounts in what they say is an effort to overcome a hefty budget deficit.
Reason for the increase
SEPTA says they were hoping for approval of a funding package this fall, but a deal with the governor and state legislature has stalled.
"With no prospect of a statewide solution to help fund the everyday operating expenses of public transportation systems, SEPTA will announce a historically high fare increase proposal that would affect all modes and methods of payment," SEPTA said in a release on Tuesday.
Last month, SEPTA said a 7.5 percent increase would be proposed for all riders, warning that hikes as large as 30 percent could be on the table.
In September, SEPTA reinstated parking fees with increased daily rates at several garages.
The proposed fare changes come as SEPTA and its largest union continue efforts to hammer out a deal, and prevent more than 5,000 employees from walking off the job.
SEPTA drivers aren't just asking for a raise but want SEPTA to raise the level of security for its 4,500 frontline workers facing an increasing firing line of abuse and violence.