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On Dec. 30, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) board delayed a plan to raise fares and cut service pending the state assembly’s efforts to address the authority’s funding issues.

Originally expected to be implemented Jan. 23, the measures would address SEPTA’s $62 million fiscal year 2005 budget deficit.

The authority now plans to increase fares 25 percent across the board — raising the base fare from $2 to $2.50 — and cut service 20 percent system wide Feb. 27 unless it obtains additional state funds. SEPTA officials had considered implementing another fare increase that would raise the base fare to $3 in March, but that plan is on hold.

Last month, Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell proposed an interim funding plan that would provide $18.8 million to state transit agencies while the legislature determines a more permanent funding solution. SEPTA would obtain $13 million of the funds.