Fare Hike Proposed By SEPTA Has Some Passengers Upset

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.