advertisement

---

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) plans to increase fares and cut service to address a $55 million fiscal-year 2004 budget deficit.



State subsidy cuts, and increases in health insurance, prescription drugs, pensions, electrical power, and labor costs have contributed to a projected $40 million increase in the authority’s FY 2004 operating budget.



State law mandates that SEPTA’s budget balance equally between money generated by fares, and state and local subsidies. The authority’s $888 million budget provides money to staff, maintain and operate the system.



Possible cost-cutting strategies include discontinuing service on four rail lines, closing nine stations and eliminating some weekend service, according to a prepared statement. SEPTA also plans to increase fares 5.5 percent.