Parking fees are back for SEPTA customers, and they're increasing. Here's what you need to know.
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The days of free parking for SEPTA customers are limited, and parking fees are going up.
SEPTA is ending free parking for its riders and phasing fees back in beginning Monday, Sept. 23. Fees will be reinstated at all SEPTA-owned surface lots and garages by Wednesday, Nov. 6.
A full reinstatement schedule can be found on SEPTA's website, but fees will be back on Sept. 23 at Fern Rock Transportation Center, Jenkintown-Wyncote Station and Glenside Station.
"This has been our general timeframe for a while to bring it back," SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch said. "Certainly, there is added urgency in a number of areas to make sure we're doing everything we can to not only raise revenues but to cut costs."
The transit authority said daily parking rates at SEPTA-owned surface lots will increase to $2 and $4 for three garages: Frankford Transportation Center, Norristown and Lansdale. It said surface-lot parking will remain free on weekends and major holidays.
SEPTA waived parking fees over four years in an attempt to attract customers.
Leslie Richards, SEPTA's CEO and general manager, said the parking fees aim to offset maintenance costs and help "generate revenue in the midst of a funding crisis."
"We understand how increasing fees could impact riders," Richards said in a statement, "but we hope they will still see public transit as an overall value — saving time and money compared to driving a vehicle."
According to a press release, SEPTA is moving to a new parking system, Flowbird America Inc., which it claims will "streamline fee collection and improve customer convenience." SEPTA's board awarded the company a $12.3 million contract.
SEPTA said the new parking system would allow customers to pay via its SEPTA Park app, kiosks, or by text message. Instructions will be available at SEPTA stations.
