Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
CBS Philly
SEPTA plans to eliminate fare discounts as it faces huge budget deficit
By Nikki DeMentriJoe Brandt,
1 day ago
SEPTA set to eliminate fare discounts, increase Regional Rail trip prices 02:01
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- SEPTA plans to do away with fare discounts as it faces a budget shortfall of $240 million, the agency said Thursday.
The change means SEPTA Key cardholders and people who pay with credit and debit cards would no longer be charged $2 for a ride and instead pay the full fare of $2.50.
The price changes are subject to a vote from SEPTA's board. There will be public hearings on the proposed changes before the board meets.
A SEPTA spokesperson said discounts will also be eliminated on Regional Rail. For many trips, prices could increase by about $1 per ride, depending on which zones the ride passes through.
"The state budget provided SEPTA $43 million in one-time aid, and while we are grateful for that and optimistic about a long-term funding agreement in Harrisburg, we need to act now to ensure that SEPTA has the resources to provide reliable services to the city and the region," SEPTA Board Chair Ken Lawrence said in a news conference.
The proposed fare changes would add another $14.4 million in revenue per year, SEPTA said.
Here's a look at the proposed fare changes.
SEPTA officials speak about fare changes in press conference
Daily, weekly and monthly pass prices will not change, CEO Leslie Richards said.
Richards said the proposal does make some rules, like those on transfers, more flexible.
"Currently, if you get off the bus, go to run an errand and then get back on the same bus route traveling in the opposite direction, you have to pay two full fares for round-trip travel," Richards said.
Under the proposal, a rider using a SEPTA Key card or other contactless payment could take a return trip without having to pay a second fare - as long as they're using the same route and the return trip is within two hours, Richards said.
The cost of Regional Rail trips in Zone 1 would decrease to $4 under the proposal, and three stations are being added to Zone 1: Overbrook, Wissahickon and Tulpehocken.
The fare changes are necessary no matter what happens with state aid in Harrisburg, leaders said.
"Even if we receive the full amount that the governor has proposed, there is still a gap in our operating budget," Richards said. "We still have a large gap to fill and so this $14 million every year will help."
Lawrence said SEPTA has not had a fare increase since 2016.
Richards said about 7% of riders pay cash and have been paying the full fare the full time.
SEPTA to hold public hearings on potential fare changes
The public hearings will take place Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. with attendance possible in-person and via WebEx.
The Board would vote on the changes on Nov. 21 and they would take effect Dec. 1.
SEPTA cracks down on fare evasion, will charge for parking again
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Comments / 0