Free SEPTA fares for low-income riders may be discontinued next year, prompting advocates to campaign for its continuation.

SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, has recently instituted a significant fare increase of 21.5% along with service cuts, significantly impacting vulnerable communities in Philadelphia. This development has prompted City Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke to advocate for the permanence of the Zero Fare program, which offers free transit passes to low-income individuals. O’Rourke is proposing that the city allocate 0.5% of its annual budget to fund this initiative.

The proposed Transit Access Fund aims to ensure sustained financial support for the program, safeguarding it from potential budget reallocations. O’Rourke articulated his vision during a town hall meeting in which he was joined by Democratic State Senator Nikil Saval and members of the advocacy group Transit Forward Philadelphia. The meeting focused on the urgent need for affordable public transportation and sustainable funding mechanisms for SEPTA, particularly following the recent state budget’s failure to allocate additional funds to mass transit agencies.

The significance of this advocacy aligns with broader Democratic victories in nearby regions, such as New Jersey and Virginia, where similar themes of affordability have resonated with voters. Saval emphasized the necessity for a long-term commitment, noting that substantial political achievements often require persistent efforts over many years.

Earlier this year, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s budget proposal threatened to eliminate funding for the Zero Fare pilot program, which was established in 2023. However, following community backlash, funding was restored. O’Rourke highlighted the essential need for equitable transit options, arguing that individuals with lower incomes are disproportionately burdened by transportation costs.

The continuation of funding for the Zero Fare program remains uncertain as its current budgetary designation expires on June 30. If O’Rourke’s Transit Access Fund is enacted, it is anticipated to generate approximately million in the fiscal year 2026-2027. Such funding would potentially provide free SEPTA passes for 60,000 residents living at or below the federal poverty line, which is defined as ,650 for an individual and ,150 for a family of four in 2025.

Furthermore, O’Rourke’s office is exploring the allocation of an additional million to million for matching grants aimed at incentivizing businesses and housing developments to participate in the SEPTA Key Advantage program, which provides subsidized transit passes. As of 2024, Philadelphia’s poverty rate stands at 19.7%, underlining the critical need for access to affordable transportation options.

The Transit for All PA coalition’s recent campaign has gathered significant public support, with approximately 45,000 individuals advocating for increased funding for transit systems statewide. The coalition’s efforts highlight the interconnected nature of urban and rural transit challenges, as activists strive to shift the narrative surrounding funding disparities. By fostering collaboration rather than division, advocates seek to ensure that transit funding initiatives adequately meet the needs of all Pennsylvanians.

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