SEPTA has increased base fares for buses and the metro from $2.50 to $2.90, a 21.5% rise that is expected to generate about $31 million annually to help address a $213 million deficit. The fare increase comes alongside the restoration of earlier service cuts. Rider Lyric Wilson of West Philadelphia said, "They've been changing it so much, it's been so up and down I didn't know, I didn't even know about this increase." Another rider, Shareef Shakir of Mount Airy, said, "I feel like if you increase the fare, then it should be improvements to the overall transit." A SEPTA spokesperson stated, "The fare increase will generate much-needed revenue, especially since we did not get a sustainable funding solution," according to 6abc.
Some Philadelphia residents have voiced concerns that SEPTA’s fare increase will place additional strain on low-income families. North Philadelphia mother Tashonda McCray said the higher costs will add to existing financial challenges, while Miguel Torres of Kensington, who depends on SEPTA for transportation, expressed opposition, noting the burden it creates for people earning minimum wage.
SEPTA will restore service this week as fare increases take effect. CBS News Philadelphia reports, "On Sunday, about half of the SEPTA bus, trolley and train routes that were shortened or eliminated will be fully restored," with the rest returning on September 15. Around 3,000 service reduction signs have been removed and new schedules posted. Riders expressed mixed reactions to the fare hike, with June Somers saying, "I just think it's a little bit too much especially for the lower-class people," and Alexis Santarelli saying, "I mean I'm not happy about spending more money, but you have to get to work." Budget discussions in Harrisburg continue to play a role in SEPTA’s future funding.
