SEPTA’s first fare adjustment in three years will take effect on Thursday, July 1, 2010, which is the beginning of Fiscal Year 2011. The changes were approved by the SEPTA Board in May as part of a $1.18 billion Operating Budget for the upcoming year.
The fare adjustments include system-wide increases averaging between 6 and 8 percent. These changes are expected to generate approximately $20.7 million in additional revenue to help pay for SEPTA’s operating expenses. In crafting the new fare structure, SEPTA followed the recommendations of the Pennsylvania Transportation Funding and Reform Commission, which suggests modest, periodic fare increases.
SEPTA’s last fare increase was implemented in 2007. The fare adjustment for Fiscal Year 2011 is consistent with changes in the Consumer Price Index and the Producer Price Index over the last three years. There will be no change in the $2 base cash fare for trips on SEPTA buses, subways and trolleys.
As part of a fare simplification effort, SEPTA is eliminating off-peak periods for Regional Rail. Weekday rates will apply to trips made between 4 am and 7 pm. Monday through Friday. Discounted rates will be available for trips after 7 pm. On weekdays, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays.
SEPTA is also kicking off the new fiscal year by expanding the popular QuietRide Car program on Regional Rail. Starting July 1st, the first car of all weekday trains consisting of three or more cars available for passenger use will be designated as QuietRide cars. SEPTA’s bicycle policy for Regional Rail customers remains the same. Customers cannot bring bicycles on weekday trains arriving in Center City stations between 6 am and 9:30 am, and on weekday trains departing Center City between 4 pm and 6:30 pm
For more information on SEPTA’s fare adjustment, visit www.septa.org/fares/new, or call Customer Service at (215) 580-7800.