SEPTA fare hike and additional service cuts paused after court order

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — There are more changes for SEPTA riders this week following a court order on Friday.

The 21.5% fare increase set to begin Monday is on pause.

Customers can now buy September passes online. SEPTA officials will determine how to refund riders who purchased tickets at a higher price.

“That would have been a lot of money for fares,” said Ahdrese Willis from Logan. “I’m glad it’s not happening. It’s going to save the money in my pocket.”

“I manage my expenses a certain way”, said Nikkiah Powell from North Philadelphia. “If they increase, now I got to adjust my expenses.”

The 20% service cuts to regional rail scheduled for Tuesday are also on hold.

SEPTA advises users to look at the PDF schedules from June 15th for guidance.

“It’s nice that there was a hold there, but then again who knows what could happen next so I’m still a little bit on edge,” said Mariam Elias-Danjuma who is a student at Temple University.

SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch said he understands it’s been a bumpy ride for commuters.

“We’re just trying to do as much as we can to make this as smooth as possible under what has been difficult circumstances for our customers,” said Busch.

Meanwhile, customers and SEPTA continue their calls for action from lawmakers in Harrisburg.

“Please approve funding,” said Elias-Danjuma. “There’s so many people who use SEPTA every single day.”

“It’s the only way for a lot of people to get around. It’s very useful. We need it,” said Hatton.

“Our focus is going to be on making sure we’re complying with whatever the court says, providing as high a level service to our customers as we possibly can and continuing to work on that funding solution,” said Busch who also said it seems like lawmakers are finding more common ground.

Busch said SEPTA will be back in court on Thursday for testimony.

On Tuesday, SEPTA will restore some bus routes to help students get to school with funding from the city’s budget.

The service cuts that took effect on August 24th will remain in place.