SEPTA Faces Financial Crisis with Proposed Fare Hikes and Service Cuts

The Philadelphia transit agency is grappling with a $240 million deficit as it plans fare increases and service reductions amid leadership changes and potential strikes.

• SEPTA plans to raise fares by 21.5% starting January 2025 and implement severe service cuts in July to address its structural deficit.
• The agency is facing a $240 million budget shortfall due to the end of federal COVID-19 relief funds and insufficient state funding.
• SEPTA's leadership is in flux with the resignation of CEO Leslie S. Richards, creating uncertainty about the agency's future direction.
• Crime on SEPTA has decreased by 45% year-over-year, but the agency still faces challenges with union negotiations and potential strikes.
• The proposed changes risk a 'death spiral' of declining ridership and revenue, threatening the system's recovery and regional economic stability.

4 Articles

Metro Philadelphia The Philadelphia Inquirer The Philadelphia Inquirer The Philadelphia Inquirer