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Later this month, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) plans to hold public hearings on the second phase of fare increases outlined in the authority’s fiscal-year 2005 operating budget contingency plan.

Last month, the board delayed implementing the plan until Feb. 27 because Gov. Edward Rendell pledged an additional $13 million in subsidies to help SEPTA address its $62 million operating budget.

In October, SEPTA held public hearings on the first phase of fare increases, a 25 percent across-the-board hike. The base cash fare would increase from $2 to $2.50.

Under a second phase, SEPTA would increase fares an average of 13 percent across the board and raise the base fare from $2.50 to $3.

The board might delay or eliminate all or part of the contingency plan should additional funds become available.