Philadelphia's public transit riders are bracing for an uptick in fares starting today. SEPTA's across-the-board fare increases, cited as necessary due to a hefty $240 million budget deficit, mean that riders will need to shell out an extra 50 cents, bringing the cost per ride on buses, subways, and trolleys to $2.50. These changes come as the first fare raise since 2017 and are expected to generate an additional $14.5 million in annual revenue, as FOX29 reported.
The transit agency's decision was upheld by its board earlier this month, who had their hands forced to quickly bridge the budget gap. This move to increase fares has been met with a mix of resignation and understanding from the commuting public. "It could be worse. I guess having the mindset of the cup half full, half empty. So, I don't personally like it, but they have to do what they have to do, too," SEPTA commuter, Terrance Butler from Southwest Philadelphia, told 6abc. Despite the hike, the cost for daily, weekly, and monthly passes will not to be affected.
In response to the financial shortfall following the expiration of COVID-19 relief funds, SEPTA had planned another fare increase of 21.5 percent for the new year. However, this subsequent hike has been successfully deferred, thanks to a $153 million boost from federal highway money, facilitated by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. The allocation of funds, which comes from highway projects that hadn't yet broken ground, is designed to sustain SEPTA until state budget discussions can resume next summer, as described in a statement obtained by CBS News Philadelphia.
With this fare adjustment, SEPTA implements several changes that may slightly soften the blow for travelers. Transfers for buses, subways, and trolleys will remain free of charge, and now, the restriction on the direction of travel for transfers has been lifted, introducing new mobility options for riders. Additionally, three stations—Overbrook, Wissahickon, and Tulpehocken—have been reclassified from Zone 2 to Zone 1, expanding the reach for weekly or monthly TransPass+ holders at no added expense. Despite the fare increases, seniors 65 and over and kids under 12 will continue to ride for free, maintaining vital access for these demographics, as FOX29 noted.
As Philadelphia commuters adjust to the revised fare structure, the authorities assure that the financial strategies in place, augmented by the counties' increased contributions, will prevent future service cuts and may provide a stable path forward for SEPTA's operations. For a detailed breakdown of all fare increases and alterations, SEPTA directs commuters to visit their website.
