The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has proposed a fare increase that eliminates discounts for Key card users, potentially affecting thousands of riders in Northwest Philadelphia and beyond.

The proposal, which aims to generate $14 million in annual revenue, would raise the single-trip fare to $2.50 for all riders, matching the current cash fare. This change comes as SEPTA grapples with a $240 million structural budget deficit while seeking to offset costs and improve service.

The proposed fare hike would not affect senior citizens, whose free rides are underwritten by the Pennsylvania Lottery.

Despite the increase, the proposal includes some consumer-friendly changes. Riders would gain new flexibility for round trips, with free transfers regardless of travel direction within a two-hour window. This change accommodates diverse travel patterns, particularly benefiting women and minority riders who, according to SEPTA's research, often make multiple stops throughout the day.

Northwest Philadelphia riders would also see some specific benefits. SEPTA has reclassified Tulpehocken and Wissahickon rail stations as Zone 1, making them cheaper to ride. Additionally, weekend departure times for the Chestnut Hill East and Chestnut Hill West lines have been staggered, allowing Northwest residents to travel to and from Center City hourly instead of every two hours.

Robert Previdi, spokesman for Northwest Philadelphia's Save the Train Coalition, sees the fare hike as accomplishing two important goals. "This is a way we can demonstrate to Harrisburg that we are willing to pay our fair share," he said. 

He also views it as a step toward fairness, noting that those who can't afford weekly or monthly passes often pay cash, which costs more per ride.

"From an equity standpoint, it doesn't make sense that people who can most afford to pay are getting a discount," Previdi explained. "It seems counterintuitive that we who use the SEPTA key get the discount while those who use cash pay full fare."

Looking ahead, Previdi said SEPTA is working to modernize its payment system to allow riders to use phones or credit cards at turnstiles, rather than waiting until after boarding.

“The sooner that happens, the better – particularly when 2026 arrives and we have all these visitors who need to use the system," he said, referencing major events that are expected to bring massive crowds to the city, including the nation's 250th birthday celebrations, the MLB All-Star game, and FIFA World Cup matches. "We really don't want them fooling around with trying to use the key card."

SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch confirmed that testing for that system is now underway and a full public rollout is expected in the coming months.

For Previdi, simplifying the fare system is crucial to the larger goal of increasing ridership. He emphasized the importance of Northwest riders using the system, especially now that SEPTA has responded to requests for staggered weekend departure times. Overall, current SEPTA ridership stands at 73-75% of pre-pandemic levels across all services, including trains, buses, and the subway.

"We all say that we want to cut down on carbon emissions, but then when we make a choice to go somewhere locally, we grab our car keys. It's very disheartening when I get on a train and see I'm the only one there," he said. "If we don't get ridership up, we are in real danger of losing one of these two rail lines, if not both."

The fare increase is part of a broader strategy to address SEPTA's financial challenges. The agency is also planning to reinstate parking fees at Regional Rail stations, a move that is expected to generate an additional $4 million. Cost-cutting measures are also being implemented, including restrictions on nonessential employee travel and hiring.

SEPTA CEO Leslie Richards said she is “optimistic” that state lawmakers will arrive at a long-term funding solution, but emphasizing the need for immediate action. 

"We have to act now to ensure that SEPTA is best positioned to continue providing reliable service to the city and region," she said. "We're doing everything possible to raise awareness and revenues, and control costs."

Despite these efforts, SEPTA officials caution that this may not be a long-term solution. "We're still working with our partners in Harrisburg on a long-term funding solution, but we know we have to take action now to try to make sure that we're raising enough revenue through fares," Busch explained.

Public hearings on the fare increase are scheduled for Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at SEPTA's headquarters on Market Street. If approved by the SEPTA board, the changes could take effect as early as December.