PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It's soon going to cost more to ride SEPTA. As it grapples with a deficit, the SEPTA board has approved the first of two proposed fare increases.
The board unanimously gave the green light to a fare increase that would bring the Travel Wallet transit fares from $2 to $2.50, effective Dec. 1.
Another increase on top of that is proposed for Jan. 1, which would bring that fare to $2.90. The board will vote on that one next month, as well as a 20% cut to service.
SEPTA chief operating officer Scott Sauer says riders will feel the impact — “And it's going to hurt.”
Transit advocate Lance Haver urged the board to reject the fare increase.
"If you believe SEPTA is vital to our region, have the courage of your convictions. Vote against this proposed fare hike."
But they voted for it.
Facing a $153 million budget hole in the current fiscal year, board chair Ken Lawrence said both fare increases plus deep service cuts planned for next year still aren't enough.
"These measures alone will not fix our budget crisis. And unfortunately more will come in the near future without a permanent funding fix in place."
Chief Operating Officer Scott Sauer described the transit death spiral that would result.
"We raise fares, we start cutting service, people leave, our customers go and find alternate ways to travel, and then we have to raise fares and cut service again."
SEPTA's last fare increase was in 2017.