In a move that has sparked significant concern among state legislators and the public, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has unveiled a proposal to implement a substantial

SEPTA has struggled to regain pre-pandemic ridership figures. It put off 2020 fare hikes, but now faces a $240 million deficit that it said will require rate hikes and service cuts to shore up.

Philadelphia's mass transit system is proposing a 21.5% fare increase starting New Year's Day and also considering severe service cuts that would take effect in the summer.

Sauer said there will be two public hearings on the fare increase proposals beginning on Dec. 13 as well as hearings scheduled in the spring or late winter on the looming service cuts.

SEPTA officials are set to propose a "historically high fare increase" and "major service cuts" as the agency grapples with a $240 million budget deficit.

SEPTA is pressing forward with more fare hikes and service cuts in 2025 amid its ballooning budget deficit. Why it matters: The agency is facing the beginning of a "transit death spiral," COO Scott Sauer told reporters Tuesday.

SEPTA officials on Tuesday announced a proposal for what they called a "historically high" fare increase for public transportation in Philadelphia, as well as cuts to service. The changes could set off a "transit death spiral,

SEPTA officials say with no prospect of a statewide solution to ease ongoing financial woes, the mass transit provider needs a 'historically high' fare increase and plans 'major cuts' to services in the near future.