SEPTA board OKs capital, operating budgets for FY2017

The board of the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) last week approved the agency's operating and capital budgets for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1.

The $1.4 billion operating budget reflects a 3 percent increase over the previous fiscal year, SEPTA officials said in a press release. The budget maintains current service levels without any fare increases.

The $549 million capital plan advances a number of initiatives aimed at renewing critical infrastructure, replacing aging portions of SEPTA's fleet and expanding capacity of growing ridership.

In the coming year, SEPTA also will move ahead with its bridge program, including the Crum Creek Viaduct replacement, which calls for renewing a century-old span along the Media/Elwyn Line Regional Rail line.