SEPTA plans fare hikes across the board

PHILADELPHIA » SEPTA has had more than its share of problems recently, seemingly constantly disrupting the lives of riders on the regional rail system.

That is not stopping it from asking riders to dig deeper in their pockets.

Yes, the transit giant is planning to hike fares.

SEPTA Friday announced fare hikes across the board that would go into effect in July 2018 if they are approved by the board.

SEPTA hiked fares in 200, 2010 and 2013. An increase slated for 2016 was postponed to allow time for the initial rollout of their new smart card pay system SEPTA Key.

“In keeping with the recommendations of the Pennsylvania Transportation Funding and Reform Commission, SEPTA has adopted a policy of making periodic fare adjustments, with increases in 2007, 2010 and 2013,” SEPTA stated in a press release. “This proposal represents the next regularly scheduled fare increase – the 2016 increase was postponed to allow time for the initial rollout of the SEPTA Key.

Pending approval by the SEPTA Board, the proposed fare hikes would go into effect at the start on July 1, 2018.

Here is a summary of changes to some of the most widely used fare payment methods. The full fare increase proposal and public hearing schedule can be seen on the SEPTA website at www.septa.org/notice/fare-change-hearing.html.

• Cash Fare/Quick Trip: Increase from $2.25 to $2.50

• Tokens/discounted single ride with Key: From $1.80 to $2

• Transit Transfers would remain unchanged at $1

• Disabled Fare: From $1 to $1.25

• Paratransit/Shared Ride: $4 to $4.25

• Weekly TransPass: From $24 to $25.50 (up to 56 trips for one customer)

• Monthly TransPass: From $91 to $96 (up to 240 trips for one customer)

• Weekly TrailPasses: Currently $27.25-$53, depending on zone; proposed increase to $28.25-$55.75 (up to 56 trips for one customer)

• Monthly TrailPasses: Currently $101-$191, depending on zone; proposed increase to $105-$204 (up to 240 trips for one customer)

• Convenience Pass: From $8 to $9

• Independence Pass: Individual - $12 to $13; Family - $29 to $30

• Ten Trip Discounted Fares for Regional Rail: Currently $38-80 depending on zone; proposed increase to $40-$82.50. (Please note: Ten-Trip Tickets will be replaced upon implementation of the SEPTA Key)

• For other Regional Rail fare proposals, such as prepaid single trips, on-board purchases and Intermediate One-Way fares, please refer to the attached fare chart.

• Parking: Regional Rail surface lot daily parking fee would increase from $1 to $1.25 with implementation of the SEPTA Key. Surface lot monthly permits would increase from $20 to $25.

SEPTA will hold public hearings regarding the proposed fare increase starting April 19. Two hearing sessions will be held in each of the five counties that make up SEPTA’s service region. Customers, residents, stakeholders and other members of the public are encouraged

RICK KAUFFMAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA SEPTA buses roll on 69th Street in Upper Darby. It’s going to cost more to ride buses, trains and trolleys on the SEPTA system. The transit agency is seeking fare hikes across the board.