SEPTA seeks input from public on proposed fare hikes

A proposed fare hike for SEPTA riders in 2018 will be the focus of public hearings over the course of the next week.

Wednesday two meetings were held at the Delaware County Government Center Building in Media for customers, residents, stakeholders and other members of the public to raise concerns or questions.

Following the trend away from metal tokens to the adoption of the new SEPTA Key system, the cash and quick trip costs will be raised from $2.25 to $2.50, while cash purchases through the Key will cost riders $2 a ride.

“This proposal builds on efforts implemented with the last increase to simplify the fare structure for customers as they switch to the SEPTA Key,” SEPTA Chief Press Officer Andrew Busch stated in a release.

Fare increases aren’t limited to subway services in Philadelphia. Regional Rail services will see a jump in costs for weekly passes from between $1 and $3 depending on the zone of operation, while monthly passes will jump from between $4 and $11.

“Fare revenues help fund SEPTA’s operating budget, which provides for the everyday expenses of running the system, such as labor, fuel and power,” the statement reads.

The SEPTA Key contains an easy-swiping system called Travel Wallet, which allows riders to now add funds onto the card at all stops along the Market-Frankford El, Broad Street Line and bus stops.

Travelers can preload money on the card using cash, debit or credit and use it at their leisure, far different from the days in which cash and tokens dominated the public transit system in Philly.

Riders can buy one-off passes at all stations using a debit or credit card or can pick up a SEPTA Key card at Suburban Station, 69th Street Transit Station, 30th Street Station, Jefferson Station and SEPTA Headquarters at 1234 Market St.

Hearings will continue Thursday, April 20, at the Bucks County Free Library on 150 S. Pine St., Doylestown; Friday, April 21 at the West Chester Borough Hall, Council Chambers, at 401 E. Gay St., West Chester; Monday, April 24 at SEPTA Headquarters on 1234 Market St., Philadelphia; and Tuesday, April 25 at Montgomery County Human Services Center Community Room on 1430 DeKalb St., Norristown.

Sessions are held twice daily at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for all days except for Monday at SEPTA Headquarters, which will be held at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.