For more than one million people using SEPTA every day, low rates and convenience rank high on the list of reasons for using the city's buses, subways and trains.
But a newly announced fare increase isn't sitting well with some riders.
"It's not fair," Connie Smith told FOX 29's Stephanie Salvatore. "I work too hard to be paying more money, especially when they run slow and not on time," she said.
On Thursday, SEPTA officials unveiled a plan to raise fares. Beginning in July, the cash fare for SEPTA buses, trolleys and subways will increase from $2 to $2.25. In 2014, the fares are expected to go up by another 25 cents.
Back in 2007, SEPTA adopted a policy of fare increases every three years to keep its budget balanced. Officials say the increases will save them $25 million a year.
Another change hitting the transit authority next year will be the introduction of new payment technology. The tokens used now will be phased out and new prepaid smart cards will be brought in. SEPTA riders will also have the opportunity to pay with a smart phone.
For many passengers, the higher fares are something they'll just have to get used to, as some tell FOX 29 they don't think they'll be able to afford them.
SEPTA also unveiled changes to its Regional Rail zones.
You can read more about the future of SEPTA's payment system on the SEPTA website.
You can read more about the proposed fare increases and SEPTA's budget by clicking here.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:03 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:03:33 GMT
We have been following the story of Herbert and Catherine Schaible for a while now. This couple lives in Philadelphia and are a faith healing couple who is facing murder charges for the death of their
We have been following the story of Herbert and Catherine Schaible for a while now. This couple lives in Philadelphia and are a faith healing couple who is facing murder charges for the death of their
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:55:29 GMT
A $1,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men seen running to and away from a homicide scene Tuesday night in Camden.
A $1,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men seen running to and away from a homicide scene Tuesday night in Camden.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:43 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:43:10 GMT
Thirteen paintings by the famous Wyeth family of artists have sold for just over $2 million at a New York City auction.New Jersey businessman Eric Sambol sold the works by Andrew, Jamie and N.C. Wyeth
Thirteen paintings by the famous Wyeth family of artists have sold for just over $2 million at a New York City auction.New Jersey businessman Eric Sambol sold the works by Andrew, Jamie and N.C. Wyeth
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:31 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:31:19 GMT
AP Image
New Jersey's invasion of cicadas has started in the wake of two days of warm weather.The insects have started to emerge from the soil in droves for the first time in 17 years and that could make for
New Jersey's invasion of cicadas has started in the wake of two days of warm weather.The insects have started to emerge from the soil in droves for the first time in 17 years and that could make for
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:23 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:23:02 GMT
A small street in the city's Fern Rock section is closed off to traffic - for a good reason!Volunteers from Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and the Sears Heroes At Home program have gathered at the Reed
A small street in the city's Fern Rock section is closed off to traffic - for a good reason!Volunteers from Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and the Sears Heroes At Home program have gathered at the Reed
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:03 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:03:40 GMT
In the aftermath of the tornado that devastated Moore, Oklahoma on Monday, residents are starting to sort through their belongings that were scattered about as a result.
In the aftermath of the tornado that devastated Moore, Oklahoma on Monday, residents are starting to sort through their belongings that were scattered about as a result.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:35 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:35:48 GMT
To the everyday on-looker, Lacey Barchart is just your average young girl.She likes playing with her stuffed animals and her friends. But, she sees the world just a bit differently than one might guess.
Brave little Lacey lives a normal life, but there is more to her than what meets the eye.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:36 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:36:20 GMT
Rapper-producer Sean "Diddy" Combs has paid a marketing visit to Pennsylvania's capital city. Combs visited with Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officials on Wednesday to promote a
Rapper-producer Sean "Diddy" Combs has paid a marketing visit to Pennsylvania's capital city. Combs visited with Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officials on Wednesday to promote a
Passengers board a SEPTA Regional Rail Line Thursday at the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia.
