SEPTA set to eliminate discounted fares on trains, buses, trolleys, hike prices on some Regional Rail routes
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 agency is looking to boost its revenue as it faces a shortfall following the expiration of COVID-19 relief funds. SEPTA has previously told lawmakers the funding shortfall could require fare increases up to 31% and service reductions up to 20%.
"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 Proposed Fare Changes 2024 by CBS Philadelphia on Scribd
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
SEPTA is also cracking down on fare evasion. New fare gates were recently installed at some stations on the Norristown High Speed Line and the Market-Frankford Line to deter jumping or crawling or under the turnstiles. SEPTA previously estimated it loses $30 million to $40 million a year to fare evaders.
Parking fees are also returning for SEPTA customers at surface lots and garages starting Sept. 23 at Fern Rock, Jenkintown-Wyncote Station and Glenside Station. Parking fees will return at other stations on later dates, according to a schedule posted on SEPTA's website.