SEPTA riders prepare for fare increases Sunday

This story originally appeared on 6abc.

SEPTA riders are gearing up for the fare increase taking effect on Sunday, and the return of full schedules by Monday.

“They’ve been changing it so much, it’s been so up and down I didn’t know, I didn’t even know about this increase,” said Lyric Wilson of West Philadelphia.

Commuters are bracing for yet another change on SEPTA. Starting Sunday, a 21.5% fare hike takes effect.

“Nothing gets better but they keep taking our money out of our pockets,” said Floyd Patterson Jr., of West Philadelphia.

Base fare for bus and metro trips will increase from $2.50 to $2.90.

“I feel like if you increase the fare, then it should be improvements to the overall transit,” said Shareef Shakir of Mount Airy.

SEPTA officials argue the increase is necessary to help close a $213 million deficit. They expect the fare hike to bring in about $31 million a year.

A SEPTA spokesperson said, “The fare increase will generate much-needed revenue, especially since we did not get a sustainable funding solution. That revenue is critical to closing our deficit, and we know we have to raise more revenue and continue to cut costs.”

“It doesn’t feel like there’s enough being done to address the lack or the deficiencies within SEPTA without like addressing those before they decide to charge people more,” said Nayram Tsedey, of Allegheny West.

Meanwhile, talks in Harrisburg remain stalled in a budget impasse. But SEPTA cuts that took effect last month will be restored on a judge’s order.

“I’m excited for that I feel like once that happens we can start getting back into place,” said Wilson.

A local attorney is preparing to file a class-action lawsuit against SEPTA next week in response to the fare hikes.

SEPTA is encouraging riders to check their schedules at septa.org as they prepare to travel next week.