SEPTA pushes back deadline to modernize
Thursday, August 20th, 2009
The standoff over tolling I-80 is one factor leading to delays in modernizing the fare collection system for the region's public transit. SEPTA is pushing back the deadline for proposals for a third time.
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SEPTA's latest deadline for proposals on a Smart Card fare collection system is set for the end of September.
SEPTA Spokesman Richard Maloney says two possible vendors asked for the delay, citing fears about the state funding source.
Maloney: Act 44 was passed in 2007 by the state legislature with the intent to provide SEPTA and all the other transit agencies in Pennsylvania with long term dedicated capital funding. The funding mechanism for that has not come through yet, and that's one of our concerns.
When it passed Act 44, the state legislature was counting on the income from tolling I-80 as one funding source. SEPTA was set to receive 120 million dollars in toll money by next July.
The vendors also say SEPTA's request for a system that could accept debit cards is also presenting a challenge.