PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has announced potential fare increases as it grapples with a $240 million annual budget deficit following the depletion of federal COVID relief funds. This move, however, has raised concerns about the future of public transit across Pennsylvania. State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed fare adjustments, emphasizing the critical role public transit plays in connecting communities across the state.
SEPTA’s proposal includes raising the Travel Wallet fare for buses, subways, and trolleys to $2.50 and aligning Regional Rail and Quick Trip pricing. While free transfers and additional flexibility in travel direction aim to soften the blow, these changes could significantly impact commuters. The fare changes are projected to generate an additional $14.4 million annually, but they still fall short of bridging the substantial funding gap.
State Rep. Neilson has stressed the importance of public transit as a lifeline for residents who rely on it for essential travel. “All 67 counties in Pennsylvania use public transit as a tool to survive,” Neilson stated. Without adequate funding, he warns of dire consequences for both urban and rural communities. The potential inability to access transportation could hinder residents from reaching crucial destinations such as medical appointments, workplaces, and educational institutions.
The proposed fare increases come after SEPTA’s last fare adjustment in 2017, with subsequent planned hikes deferred due to the pandemic. To address the financial shortfall, SEPTA has implemented cost-saving measures, including a hiring freeze and a hold on non-essential spending. Despite these efforts, the Authority acknowledges that without new state transit funding, further fare increases may be necessary by spring.
SEPTA’s Board Chair, Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr., remains hopeful for a funding agreement in Harrisburg. “We need to act now to ensure that SEPTA is best positioned to provide reliable service,” he stated. Leslie S. Richards, SEPTA CEO and General Manager, emphasized the equitable nature of the fare proposal and the Authority’s commitment to avoiding service cuts.
Public hearings on the proposed fare adjustments are scheduled for October 16, allowing citizens to voice their opinions in person at SEPTA Headquarters or remotely. Approval by the SEPTA Board on November 21 would see the fares take effect on December 1.
As SEPTA navigates this funding crisis, the broader implication for Pennsylvania’s economy and quality of life looms large. Public transit is not only a means of transport but a critical component of the state’s infrastructure, fostering economic growth and accessibility. The outcome of these proposed changes will affect countless Pennsylvanians, highlighting an urgent need for sustainable transit funding solutions.
Without resolving this budget shortfall, the state risks compromising the mobility and independence of its residents, ultimately threatening the economic future of both urban centers and rural areas alike. As discussions continue, the call for a permanent solution grows more pressing, with the hope that collective action can preserve the vital service that public transit provides.
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