Beginning on December 1, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has authorized a 7.5 percent fare increase. The more significant boost of 21.5 percent scheduled for January 1 will follow this initial increase, making rates roughly 30 percent higher by the start of the new year. This two-part fee hike comes while the public transit operator is dealing with a significant budget deficit, according to FOX 29.
Despite the threat of declining ridership, SEPTA is being forced to make a decision due to rising costs. SEPTA officials, who are struggling to close a $240 million gap, fear that when fares increase and service is reduced, up to 25% of SEPTA consumers may stop using the service. At a meeting, a SEPTA official voiced alarm, saying, “We could be losing up to 20 to 25% of our ridership; we could lose ultimately,” according to FOX 29.
The fee hikes are a component of a larger plan to alleviate the transportation agency’s financial difficulties, as it depends largely on subsidies and only receives 20% of its operating income from tolls. SEPTA Chief Operating Officer Scott Sauer stated, “We want to provide great service,” in a statement that NBC Philadelphia was able to get. “In order to do that, we need a funding source.” In addition, SEPTA’s plan calls for drastic service cuts that are anticipated to occur in the summer after a round of public hearings and debates that will last until early spring.
Riders are preparing for the financial impact even though the company avoided a strike with its drivers the day before the hikes were announced. SEPTA Chief Operating Officer Scott Sauer expressed his anger with the hikes, as reported by FOX 29, saying, “It’s going to hurt the customers that need us the most,” and that the service isn’t that excellent. Even though driving may be a strain for those with less financial flexibility, many people are thinking about it, like SEPTA rider Kaleem Johnson.
Concerned by the events, Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson has decided that state lawmakers must be called to action. “We think a special session should be called in Harrisburg to make sure we’re addressing the financial resources we need to allow SEPTA to be viable moving forward,” Johnson emphasized when speaking to CBS News Philadelphia. The community will have the opportunity to express their concerns and potentially shape the future of SEPTA’s uncertain voyage during the two public meetings that are set for December 13.
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