PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Sunday marked SEPTA’s return to full service across the transit system after a court order reversed recent service cuts. But the return to normal operations comes with a cost: a 21.5-percent fare increase that has raised the base fare for bus and metro trips from $2.50 to $2.90.<\/p>\n
Eitan Greenberg and his friends traveled from Montgomery County to Sunday’s Phillies game using SEPTA for the entire trip.<\/p>\n
“From Doylestown we got on the train, we got off in Center City and then we got on 15th Street and we took this line here. It was very efficient, it was quick,” said Greenberg, who lives in Easton.<\/p>\n
The express train they used for the final leg of their journey had only just resumed service after the court ruling took effect. Riders like Shyderia Height of Wynnefield say the uncertainty around SEPTA’s schedule had disrupted their routines.<\/p>\n
“When it first start, I had my fianc\u00e9 bring me to work because I wasn’t sure what the schedule would be like,” Height said.<\/p>\n
While service is back, the fare hike is adding financial strain for some riders.<\/p>\n
“I know for some people, it’s still going to be a little hard because the prices are going up with fares, the prices are going up with groceries and so much more,” Height said.<\/p>\n
SEPTA officials say the fare increase is necessary to help close a $213 million budget deficit. With no permanent funding solution from the Pennsylvania legislature, the agency is currently relying on state funds originally earmarked for capital improvements.<\/p>\n
For many, SEPTA remains the most practical way to get around the region.<\/p>\n
“I live in South Jersey, it’s just easier to get here by the train,” said Marc Hoffman of Voorhees.<\/p>\n
“The train was packed with Phillies people. I think a lot of people use it to get here,” Hoffman added.<\/p>\n
SEPTA estimates around 6,000 fans use the Broad Street Line to attend games. Riders say the return of express service is a key part of their travel plans, especially on busy game days.<\/p>\n
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