SEPTA announced today its proposed fare increases brought on by decreased ridership and a lack of state funding support.

The current proposal calls for a 21.5% fare increase across the board starting January 1, 2025. The transit agency said it faces a $240 million annual budget deficit and is also planning severe service cuts beginning July 2025. SEPTA last hiked fares in 2017.

Under the proposal, base fares on SEPTA bus and metro lines would increase to $2.90. Regional Rail prices would also increase to $5 per ride in zone 1, $6.50 per ride in zone 2, $7.75 per ride in zone 3 and $8.75 per ride in zone 4. More details here.

The authority’s board of directors could vote on the proposal at its December 19 meeting.

Members of Transport Workers Union Local 234, which represents bus, subway, and trolley operators in the city and other frontline workers, have been working without a contract since November 8 over a wage dispute. SEPTA said a pay increase is unlikely.

SEPTA will hold public hearings regarding the proposed fare adjustments on December 13 at 10:00am and 4:00pm, during which the proposed fare changes will be presented. The hearing will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, or remotely via virtual conferencing. 

About 790,000 people ride the SEPTA system on an average weekday.

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