We can make the case for fair fares but we need your help: call 267-313-6060 state your name and that you support the riders union fare proposal
The “virtual” hearings for the SEPTA fare increase are happening on Tuesday 5/26 and Wednesday 5/27. The fare plan SEPTA has proposed is the same plan they proposed before the pandemic. We’re trying to get SEPTA to pass a fare plan that lowers and simplifies fares for one year in response to the crisis and we need your voice.
We are making it easy for SEPTA riders to be heard in these hearings: Please call the TRU phone at 267-313-6060 and leave your testimony as a message, which we will play in the live hearings– you don’t have to work testifying into your schedule and you can still be heard.
A six month delay of fare increases is a welcome first step, but the recovery from this crisis will likely last a year or more.
On Tuesday May 12th, SEPTA announced their plan to implement some good elements of their fare proposal– one free transfer and $1 child fares– on July 1 and to delay all fare increases until January 2021 if their proposal is passed in June. The riders’ union has opposed all fare increases during the crisis and commends SEPTA’s willingness to formally commit to postponing them.
While a six month delay of fare increases is a welcome first step, the recovery from this crisis will likely last a year or more.
Transit is essential. Pennsylvania needs stable funding for public transit.
Transit is essential. Pennsylvania needs stable funding for public transit. 82 organizations, unions, and elected officials across the state of Pennsylvania called on state legislators to ensure that the PA Turnpike fulfills its $450 million transit funding obligations until 2023, or until a sustainable, dedicated alternative funding source is secured. This coalition of transit riders, labor unions, community development corporations, and community advocates recognize that the viability of our transit system is paramount to both survive the pandemic and to ensure a path forward to recovery.
$1 fare across all modes for adults, and free rides for all children accompanied by an adult for one year
Sign to support Philly transit riders’ COVID-19 Recovery Plan Since hearings held during a public health crisis will not be representative of transit riders, we would like to see the SEPTA Board respond to current realities and pass a fare plan for a COVID-19 recovery. There are some good elements of the proposed plan– free transfers and new fare products– but with the unemployment rate at levels not seen since the Great Depression, these elements alone will not be enough.
SEPTA to end rear door boarding and increase service on May 17
The Philly Transit Riders Union is deeply concerned about SEPTA’s plan to cease rear door boarding on May 17th.
While we applaud the restoration of services scheduled for May 17th, SEPTA has chosen to pair it with a premature and dangerous return to front door boarding and collecting pre-pandemic fares. In an attempt to protect operators and riders, SEPTA has stated vehicles will be outfitted with a plastic shield and yellow tape to illustrate recommended social distancing.
$1 fare across all modes for adults, and free rides for all children accompanied by an adult for one year
Sign to support Philly transit riders’ COVID-19 Recovery Plan On April 23rd, the SEPTA Board held its first “virtual” meeting. For this meeting, Philly Transit Riders Union organized more than 30 essential workers to write to the SEPTA Board with two requests:
Run more transit service to alleviate crowding Postpone upcoming public hearings on fare increases and instead submit a COVID-19 recovery fare plan for transit riders The duration of this virtual SEPTA board meeting was approximately 9 minutes and all public comments were ignored.
This originally appeared as an op-ed in Plan Philly in May 2020 as “Now is the time to remake SEPTA’s fare structure”. The original version appears below.
On April 23rd, the SEPTA Board held its first “virtual” public meeting. The Philly Transit Riders Union organized essential workers to contact the SEPTA Board about their experiences taking public transit during the COVID-19 crisis. Some riders asked SEPTA to run more service to alleviate dangerous overcrowding.
Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader McConnell, and House and Senate Leadership,
We are organizations representing public transit riders, public transit workers, environmental justice communities, and other constituencies across the United States. We advocate for transit systems that are affordable and accessible to all, provide good family-supporting jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution from our transportation system.
We urge you to increase the allocation for emergency assistance to public transit in the proposed next round of economic stimulus to address the coronavirus crisis and its economic impact.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 10, 2020
Two videos circulating Friday morning give a glimpse into the disturbing reality faced by transit riders in Philadelphia. In one, a man who appears to be a SEPTA supervisor orders riders off a bus, some with face coverings, stating “if you don’t have a mask you cannot ride public transportation.” In another, no less than seven Philadelphia police officers are shown dragging a transit rider off a bus, apparently for not wearing a face mask.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 3, 2020
We are pleased that $700 million in emergency funding has been appropriated to support transit operations in the Philadelphia area during this time. This is desperately needed relief for transit agencies and is a much-needed first step, recognizing the critical importance of public transit for moving essential workers during this crisis.
We ask SEPTA to immediately update the public with their plans for utilizing these emergency funds.