The era of free parking at SEPTA stations is drawing to a close, as officials announced the reinstatement of parking fees slated to commence next month. With the resumption beginning on September 23, 2024, commuters will be expected to pay higher rates than before the pandemic. According to FOX29, daily parking fees at 96 SEPTA-owned surface lots will double from $1 to $2, and at select station garages, fees will also double, rising from $2 to $4.
The increased fees come as SEPTA grapples with a funding shortfall, as indicated by SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards who stated, "These fees will help offset parking lot maintenance costs as we continue to do our part to generate revenue in the midst of a funding crisis," as stated by Metro Philadelphia. With SEPTA's funding woes highlighted by a recent failed effort to address a projected $240 million annual deficit in Harrisburg, the decision to reinstate and increase fees may add some relief, although Regional Rail ridership remains 34% below pre-pandemic figures.
Preceding the pandemic, SEPTA had planned a parking fee increase that was quickly supplanted by free parking to attract riders during the early critical phase of COVID-19. Now, riders will be able to handle parking payments via a new SEPTA Park mobile app, kiosks, or even by text message, part of a modernized $12.3 million parking system contracted to Flowbird America Inc., intended to streamline collection and enhance convenience, as reported by NBC Philadelphia.
In a demonstration of good tidings, parking at said surface lots will remain complimentary on weekends and major holidays, mitigating some of the financial impact on SEPTA riders. "We understand how increasing fees could impact riders, but we hope they will still see public transit as an overall value – saving time and money compared to driving a vehicle," Leslie Richards conveyed in a statement, as per NBC Philadelphia.
