SEPTA raises fares for FY2014

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's (SEPTA) first fare increase in three years took effect yesterday for fiscal-year 2014.

The fare hike includes the first increase to the base cash fare since 2001, SEPTA officials said in a press release. As part of an effort to simplify fares and introduce an "open" fare payment and collection system under the New Payment Technology (NPT) program, extra-fare zone charges will be eliminated on dozens of transit routes.

In addition, some regional rail zones will be consolidated. Also, all gender stickers will be eliminated on all passes for transit and regional rail.

Among the ticket-price hikes, the cash fare for a trip on SEPTA buses, subways and trolleys in the city transit division rose from $2 to $2.25 yesterday, and then will climb to $2.50 when the switch to NPT is completed in 2014.

The increase is part of SEPTA's policy calling for a fare increase every three years. SEPTA previously raised fares in FY2008 and FY2011.