Riders question SEPTA’s need for a fare hike

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — SEPTA defended its fare increase proposal during a public forum Wednesday morning, while several riders in attendance questioned why it was necessary.

SEPTA proposes eliminating discounts for SEPTA Key customers and increasing the price of one-time trips on subways, buses and trolleys from $2 to $2.50. The prices of individual trips on the Regional Rail would also go up.

Rider Raul Colon testified that if SEPTA could eliminate fare cheaters, it wouldn’t need a fare hike.

“Too many people get on the bus for free, and I think that is the problem here,” he said at Wednesday’s hearing.

Nico Meyering, chair of the mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities, said a fare hike would affect young and disabled Philadelphians.

“Don’t increase fares and throw us all under the bus,” he added.

Transit advocate Lance Haver posed a series of questions, including whether SEPTA considered dipping into its half-billion dollar reserves. “Is there enough money in the fare stabilization fund to eliminate the need for a 25% fare increase?”

The hearing examiner gave Haver extra time but he demanded more and was ultimately escorted from the hearing.

Afterward, SEPTA Senior Budget Director Erik Johanson said the agency was already using more than $150 million of its reserves this year to close a $240 million shortfall and “keep service levels flat.”

Lawmakers in Harrisburg are unlikely to pass more funding before the end of the year. Spotlight PA reported the money is caught up in a fight over an expansion of gaming machines in bars and convenience stores.

If the fare increase is approved by the SEPTA board next month, it will take effect on Dec. 1. And without more state transit funding, Johanson said more fare hikes and service cuts could come next year.