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SEPTA proposes fare increases before end of 2024: Here’s what riders need to know

Find out how much bus, subway, trolley, and Regional Rail fares are set to rise, plus details on parking fees and public hearings.

A SEPTA bus moves along the 100 block of South 2nd Street on Thursday, May 30. Septa is proposing to increase their fares starting Dec. 1, 2024.
A SEPTA bus moves along the 100 block of South 2nd Street on Thursday, May 30. Septa is proposing to increase their fares starting Dec. 1, 2024.Read moreYong Kim / Staff Photographer
    by Sam Ruland
    Published 

SEPTA is proposing fare adjustments starting Dec. 1 as the transit agency faces a $240 million annual budget shortfall due to the end of federal COVID-19 relief funding. If approved, these changes will affect bus, subway, trolley, and Regional Rail riders, with most fares seeing an increase.

Here are the things riders need to know:

  1. Say goodbye to Travel Wallet discounts: SEPTA plans to eliminate the Travel Wallet discount on buses, subways, and trolleys. This means SEPTA Key card users will now pay the same $2.50 fare as cash riders.

  2. Regional Rail fare hikes: Most Regional Rail riders will see higher prices for single-trip tickets. For example, Zone 2 weekday fares purchased at a kiosk will drop slightly to $5 from $5.50, but if you buy your ticket onboard, it will jump to $7.

  3. Free transfers and more flexibility: SEPTA will continue offering free transfers on transit services and plans to add more flexibility. Riders will now be allowed round trips on a single fare, a significant change from the current restrictions.

  4. Changes to station zones: Overbrook, Wissahickon, and Tulpehocken stations will move from Zone 2 to Zone 1, meaning riders with a weekly or monthly TransPass+ will get access to Regional Rail at these stations without paying extra.

  5. Senior and reduced fares stay the same: Seniors riding with a Senior Fare Card will continue to ride for free. Reduced fares for eligible riders will also remain, keeping transit accessible for low-income riders.

What are the proposed SEPTA fare changes?

Transit Division:

  1. SEPTA Key/Contactless Fare: Increasing from $2 to $2.50.

  2. PATCO Fare: Increasing from $2 to $2.50.

Railroad Division — kiosk/ticket office, SEPTA Key, and onboard:

Weekday Fares:

  1. Zone 1: Kiosk: $4 (down from $5.25). SEPTA Key: $4 (up from $3.75).

  2. Zone 2: Kiosk: $5 (down from $5.50). SEPTA Key: $5 (up from $4.75). Onboard: $7 (up from $6).

  3. Zone 3: SEPTA Key: $6.50 (up from $5.75).

  4. Zone 4: Kiosk: $7.50 (up from $6.75). SEPTA Key: $7.50 (up from $6.50).

Weekend Fares:

  1. Zone 1: Kiosk: $4 (down from $5.25). SEPTA Key: $4 (up from $4.25).

  2. Zone 2: Kiosk: $5 (down from $5.25). SEPTA Key: $5 (up from $4.25). Onboard: $7 (up from $6).

  3. Zone 3: Kiosk: $6 (up from $5.25). On Board: $8 (up from $7).

  4. Zone 4: Kiosk: $7.50 (up from $5.25). On Board: $9 (up from $8).

  5. Zone NJ: Kiosk: $10 (up from $9.25). On Board: $11 (up from $10).

Intermediate One-Way Fares:

  1. Intermediate One Way: Rising from $3.75 to $4.

  2. Intermediate One Way Half Fare: Increasing from $1.75 to $2.

  3. Via Center City Philadelphia (CCP): Rising from $9.25 to $10.

  4. Via CCP Half Fare: Rising from $4.50 to $5.

Why is SEPTA raising fares?

SEPTA says it needs to raise fares to help cover its $240 million budget deficit with federal COVID relief funds running out. CEO Leslie S. Richards pointed out that, without these fare adjustments, service cuts could be on the horizon.

“We know that no one wants to pay more for their commute, but we’re trying to avoid making deeper cuts that would disrupt service,” Richards said. SEPTA has not raised fares since 2017, and a planned fare increase in 2020 was put on hold due to the pandemic.

SEPTA parking lot fees also rising

Starting Sept. 23, parking rates at SEPTA-owned surface lots will increase to $2 (up from $1), and parking at Frankford Transportation Center, Norristown, and Lansdale garages will rise to $4 (up from $2).

Public input and next steps

SEPTA is holding two public hearings on Oct. 16, at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., where riders can provide feedback in person or online. The SEPTA board is expected to vote on the proposed fare adjustments on Nov. 21. If approved, the new fares would take effect Dec. 1.

For more information, visit septa.org or download the SEPTA app to stay updated.