Say Goodbye to Tokens, Hello to Fare Hikes


Starting July 1, as SEPTA’s been warning us, fare hikes will increase. Cash payments for city transit will go from really convenient $2 to not convenient $2.25. Tokens will cost $1.80 instead of $1.55. But if all goes according to plan, all that change-fumbling will be short-lived, as “smart cards” are set to replace tokens altogether by the end of the year. (Some ‘contactless’ credit cards and smartphones will also be equipped to pay SEPTA fares.) Then, on July 1, 2014, when the new system is fully implemented, and tokens are completely phased out, fares will rise again, to $2.50 per trip.

Other changes: Regional rail monthly passes will rise $10-$15 per month, depending on where you live; regional rail will feature subway-style gates; SEPTA attendants will no longer sit inside glass booths so they can help you figure out the newfangled technology; SEPTA might finally get some respect. [Inquirer]