SEPTA has announced proposed fare changes, including the elimination of the 50-cent fare discount for Key card and contactless media users, which means that they will have to pay the full amount of $2.50 per ride.

SEPTA officials say that the transit authority is facing a $240 million budget deficit after runnning out of COVID funding and getting less state funding than expected.

The $2.50 fare is the same as a single fare cost of a Quick Trip ticket, which can be purchased at SEPTA kiosks with cash. Transfers would remain free and SEPTA is not expected to raise the cost of daily, weekly and monthly passes. The last fare increase was adopted in 2017.

SEPTA will hold two public hearings on October 16, at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., where the proposed fare adjustments will be presented.

Members of the public may attend the hearings in-person in the Board Room at SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market Street, Mezzanine Level or remotely via WebEx. Additional information regarding the fare modifications and details on how individuals can register to attend via WebEx will be posted on the Authority’s website: www.septa.org/notice on or about Thursday, Sept. 12. Those who wish to speak at either session in-person or via WebEx must register by the start time on the day of the public hearing.

For more information, visit: https://wwww.septa.org/bulletins/fall-2024-proposed-fare-adjustments.

The proposed fare adjustments are expected to go into effect on Dec. 1, 2024, after a vote by SEPTA’s Board scheduled for Nov. 21.