SEPTA is taking drastic steps in an attempt to offset the ongoing budget deficit.
On Tuesday morning, SEPTA officials laid out their proposal for a “historically high rate increase” in 2025 that would impact all payment methods, along with “major service cuts.”
According to SEPTA, the average fare increase for all modes would increase by almost 30% – a combination of rate changes proposed in September and additional price increases will be implemented in November.
Earlier this fall, SEPTA proposed eliminating passenger discounts, which would amount to a 7.5% fare increase effective December 1. Combined with the additional 21.5% fare increase proposed on November 12, the cost increase for SEPTA passengers in 2013 amounts to 29%. the new year. Both rate increases would have to be approved by SEPTA’s board.
For bus and METRO riders using SEPTA Key, Quick Trip and cash payments, fares will increase to $2.90 beginning January 1, 2025.
For Regional Rail SEPTA Key riders, fares in each zone will increase to the following prices, also effective January 1:
- Zone 1: $5
- Zone 2: $6.50
- Zone 3: $7.75
- Zone 4: $8.75
SEPTA also said budget pitfalls would force a 20% reduction in service across the board. Public hearings on the proposed stock market adjustments are scheduled for Friday, December 13 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. People interested in speaking in person or virtually during the morning or afternoon session must register before the start time on the day of the fair. the hearings.
At Tuesday’s press conference, SEPTA leaders said the price increases and service cuts are necessary, but acknowledged the negative impact both actions could have on the future of public transportation.
“With major service cuts and fare increases, this is the beginning of what we always say: the ‘transit death spiral,’” said Scott Sauer, SEPTA’s chief operating officer. “Service cuts and fare increases due to fewer riders lead to more service cuts and more fare increases, resulting in fewer riders, until eventually public transit is no longer relevant.”
The agency has said a lack of “meaningful progress” on aid funding in Harrisburg has forced the rate increase, while SEPTA has a A budget deficit of $240 millionone of the main bottlenecks consequences for the current negotiations between SEPTA and Transport Workers Union Local 234.
The union, which currently works without a contract, authorized a strike earlier this month. Representatives of TWU Local 234 said members are calling for higher wages and safety improvements.
After the strike was authorized, a spokesperson for SEPTA said they are working with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and legislative leaders on “sustainable long-term funding, but at this time there is no solution in sight. This grim reality affects these negotiations. as well as SEPTA’s ability to provide critical transportation services throughout the Philadelphia region.”
The union opted not to strike after reaching the original Nov. 8 deadline, and negotiations between SEPTA and TWU Local 234 will continue Tuesday.
Steps have been taken to address SEPTA budget issues
As part of the state budget passed in July, SEPTA received a one-time payment of $46 million, although city and state leaders have still called on lawmakers in Harrisburg to approve Shapiro’s proposed plan, which would provide an additional $282 million per years for all public transport. systems, including $161 million for SEPTA.
“I view funding for SEPTA and public transportation as an important need,” Shapiro said in September, calling SEPTA funding a priority for him and his administration.
“What doesn’t interest me is that nothing happens,” he said. “SEPTA needs help, and our mass transit agencies need help across the state.
SEPTA reintroduced parking fees on all the lots and garages she owns, in an effort to generate income. After waiving parking fees for more than four years to attract customers, daily parking rates for SEPTA’s parking lots went back up to $2. Parking at the Frankford Transportation Center, Norristown and Lansdale garages now costs $4.
The agency also plans to do so abolishing tariff discountswhich SEPTA said would add an additional $14.4 million in revenue each year.
In September, SEPTA said that under the proposed increase, SEPTA Key cardholders and passengers who pay with credit and debit cards would no longer be charged $2 for a ride, but would instead pay the full $2.50 fare.
A SEPTA spokesperson said discounts will also be eliminated on Regional Rail. For many trips, prices may increase by about $1 per trip depending on the zones the trip passes through.
If approved by the SEPTA board on Nov. 21, the proposed fare adjustments would go into effect on Dec. 1.
