SEPTA gets earfull about fare hike

Fare hikes average ten percent but are spread unevenly

SEPTA users in Philadelphia had a chance to voice their opinions about a proposed fare increase.

Dozens of SEPTA users came to complain about poor service and fare increases. Among those testifying was Sharon Schnier who says she can’t afford higher rail fares.

“Sixteen percent of my monthly income goes towards riding towards SEPTA bus and rail services. This amounts to an eight to nine percent increase for me. I did not get an increase to my disability payments. What provisions does septa have in place to reduce the impact that the fare increase will have.”

The head of the Association of Rail Passengers says he believes the hike should be across the board, not targeted at rail passengers who will absorb the biggest chunk of the increase.

Others wanted to make their feelings known about the 25 cent increase on transfers within the city. The two dollar base fare will not be increased under the current fare proposal.