Philadelphia, PA – September 11, 2025 – Today, Senator Vincent Hughes shared a letter with the members of the SEPTA board to express disapproval of tariff raises, which are still planned to enter into force on September 14, 2025. The full copy of the letter is below and available online.
Dear chairman Lawrence and members of the board of SEPTA:
I write to formally ask for the cancellation of increases in fees that are aimed at entering September 14, 2025. Now that the operational funds have been secured, although miniature -term financing, tariff increases should be outside the table.
The proposed tariff growth by 21.5% is significant. The fact that Septa has just raised the tariffs by 7.5% in December 2024 means that a total boost in 29% and overall boost of 30.6% compared to 2024. Saying simply, the tariff boost by over 30% in just 9 months is unreasonable and unattainable.
Yes, there are still long -term financing issues due to the inability of the Senate Republicans to negotiate the agreement on the financing of transport. But the sadness of tough -working SEPTA riders by more than 30% tariff growth, mainly due to the impurities of republican senators, is wrong and should be avoided.
Along with this boost, septa would have one of the highest public transport tariffs in the country associated with New York.
Please, make mathematics. Philadelphia City Workers and Philadelphia teachers received a 3%boost in wages. The last boost in the costs of maintaining social insurance was 2.5%. The minimum wage in Pennsylvania remains at 7.25 USD per hour (ranking with 20 other states as the lowest in the country). Given the Republican Senate, continuously in this matter, this number will not boost in the near future.
You have repeatedly stated in public that you will not continue the tariff growth by 21.5% and 45% reduction of services if SEPTA receives significant dollars. Although the recent decision to deliver to Sept up to $ 394 million does not meet your total question, it is very close. You received your ASK for significant dollars.
You also found that the tariffs are increasing, and the cuts of services can lead to the “spiral of death” of septa- too unattainable to drive, and too uncomfortable to access. By making a dramatic growth by over 30%, you certainly start this “spiral of death”.
I appreciate that all your team has done to aid riders in a challenging and misleading time, but continuing the tariff’s growth would be a departure from this commitment to the players. Sepa riders went through enough. Do not apply this unfair weight on them.
Again, respectfully, I am asking you to stop the proposed boost of 21.5% of the tariff before the entry into force on September 14, 2025. Septa riders cannot afford it and do not deserve it.
Kind regards,
Vincent J. Hughes, chairman
Democratic Committee of the Senate
PA 7th Senatorska district
Senator of Post Hughes in the case of SEPTA to cancel planned tariff growths appeared the first democrats in the Senate of Pennsylvania.
