The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has approved an immediate fare hike of 7.5 percent starting December 1. This initial increase will be followed by a more substantial hike of 21.5 percent set for January 1, a combined raise pushing fares nearly 30 percent higher by the new year. As reported by FOX 29, this two-part fare increase arrives as the mass transit provider faces a severe budget shortfall.
Rising expenses are forcing SEPTA's hand, even as the specter of diminishing ridership looms. Struggling to bridge a $240 million gap, SEPTA officials worry that up to a quarter of SEPTA users may abandon the service as fares climb and service is cut. "We could be losing up to 20 to 25% of our ridership; we could lose ultimately," a SEPTA official expressed concern during a meeting, as reported by FOX 29.
The fare increases are part of a broader strategy to address the financial woes of the transit agency, which relies heavily on subsidies, with only 20% of its operating revenues coming from fares. "We want to provide great service," said SEPTA Chief Operating Officer Scott Sauer in a statement obtained by NBC Philadelphia. "In order to do that, we need a funding source." SEPTA's plan also includes aggressive service cuts expected to take effect in the summer following a series of public hearings and discussions set to take place through early spring.
Despite avoiding a strike with its drivers just a day before announcing the hikes, riders are bracing for the financial hit. Service isn't that good, and "it's going to hurt the customers that need us the most," remarked SEPTA Chief Operating Officer Scott Sauer, in frustration voiced concerning the hikes as reported by FOX 29. Many, like SEPTA rider Kaleem Johnson, are considering alternatives such as driving, despite the burden it may represent for those less financially flexible.
Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, raising alarm at the developments, has determined a call to action for state lawmakers is essential. He insisted, "We think a special session should be called in Harrisburg to make sure we're addressing the financial resources we need to allow SEPTA to be viable moving forward," Johnson told CBS News Philadelphia. The two scheduled public hearings on December 13 will allow the community to voice their concerns and possibly influence the course of SEPTA's precarious journey ahead.
