SEPTA May Limit Rides With New Payment System

SEPTA held a series of public meetings (including one in Norristown last week) to spread the word about its new payment system and new zone maps scheduled to go into effect in July 2014. While many riders have heard of the proposed fare hikes, the new zones and the new "smart card" system, another new change may also be in the works – ride limits on weekly and monthly passes.

According to PlanPhilly, SEPTA is also proposing capping weekly TransPasses at 50 rides and monthly passes at 200 rides. The limits would go into effect in July 2014 along with the other proposed changes.

A SEPTA official told PlanPhilly the authority hopes the limits will cut down on pass sharing among commuters. 

"There [are] probably some offices that have an office SEPTA card that they use for individuals on the staff," SEPTA CFO Rich Burnfield said.

Burnfield said the limits are high enough to protect the average user, but would hopefully discourage rampant pass sharing. SEPTA said the bulk of its weekly pass users make 34 trips or fewer.

Read more about the proposed limits and other changes, along with public reaction to the news at some of the public hearings on PlanPhilly's website.

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