PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — We knew free parking at SEPTA stations would come to an end. Now, we know when.
After a four-year COVID-induced break, parking fees will return to SEPTA's 99 lots and garages beginning on Sept. 23.
The first locations to see the return of parking fees will be the Glenside, Jenkintown-Wyncote and Fern Rock stations. The fees will be phased in across all stations between Sept. 23 and Nov. 6.
The prices to park are also increasing, from $1 to $2 daily for lots and from $2 to $4 for garages.
Riders will be able to pay using coins or credit cards at a kiosk, or pay by text and the soon-to-be-released SEPTA Park app.
“If you don’t have time to either tap your credit card or put some quarters into the machine before you hop on the train, you can pay for your parking while you’re in transit on your way in,” said SEPTA Chief of Staff Liz Smith.
Enforcement officers will use license plate readers to confirm payments.
“You’ll pay utilizing your license plate instead of a space number,” Smith said. “That’s probably going to be one of the biggest changes for our customers.”
Parking enforcement schedule
Parking at surface lots will remain free on weekends and holidays, Smith added.
While state lawmakers consider a stable source of transit funding, Smith said SEPTA needs to generate all the revenue it can as it faces a $214 million structural deficit.
“We have to do everything within our power to increase the revenue coming in right now with our current budget situation,” she said.
The new parking fees are expected to generate $6 million a year.