SEPTA’s Board has approved operating and capital budget proposals totaling $2.6 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, advancing plans to fund everyday operations and major improvement projects. The budget assumes passage of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s statewide transit funding proposal, which if fully enacted, would invest an additional $283 million annually to support transit services statewide, including $161 million for SEPTA.
“The budget we passed is built for the future and invests heavily in making SEPTA safe, clean, and reliable for our customers, employees, and the communities we serve,” said SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. in a statement. “The Governor’s transit funding plan is critical to advancing these priorities, and we continue to work with our delegation and legislative leaders to ensure that SEPTA can continue to deliver the service our region and the state need to remain competitive.”
The $1.74 billion Operating Budget doubles funding for safe, clean, and secure initiatives since 2022, providing a total of $72 million that includes funding for 40 more police officers, 30 more safety professionals, and 100 more cleaners.
The budget also continues the expansion of SEPTA Key Advantage, which now has more than 50 partners and 91,000 participants, as well as SEPTA’s Efficiency and Accountability Program, which has already realized $50.2 million in annual recurring benefits. The budget also funds increased Regional Rail service beginning this fall – restoring service to 80% of pre COVID levels, highlighted by additional mid-day and weekend service.
Additionally, the budget reflects the reinstatement of parking fees, following four years of free parking offered to help attract customers back to the system. SEPTA will increase payment from $1 to $2 at most surface lots and $2 to $4 at its three garages. Prior to the pandemic, parking brought in $4.7 million in annual revenue to SEPTA.
The $924 million Capital Budget is part of a $14 billion 12-year Capital Program, which according to SEPTA officials, will enable the largest ever investments in improved safety, cleanliness, and security. The proposal includes new full-length fare gates to reduce fare evasion and new cleaning equipment to support the expanded cleaning staff.
By the end of the 12-year program, all Broad Street Line, Market-Frankford Line, and Trolley trips will be through an accessible station – compared to 61% today. SEPTA operates one of the oldest rail fleets in the country, and this budget funds a partial replacement of each aging vehicle fleet. The Broad Street Line, Market-Frankford Line, and Trolley fleet replacements are all fully funded; the Regional Railcar fleet replacement is partially funded.
“With funding in place, SEPTA is poised to make historic investments in the infrastructure and vehicles that make our service possible,” said SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards in a statement. “These investments will propel SEPTA forward and help continue to grow ridership.”
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