rail

SEPTA Board Approves FY27 Budget With Bus Purchases, No Fare Hikes

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Board approved a $2.7 million fiscal 2027 capital budget on June 25, marking a 1 percent increase from the prior year. The spending plan funds new bus purchases and expanded fare gate installations while avoiding service reductions or fare increases. SEPTA has cut its structural budget deficit to $192 million from $213 million through cost-reduction initiatives. These initiatives generated nearly $30 million in annual savings, supplemented by advertising and parking revenue growth. The budget represents the second year of a $394 million PennDOT capital transfer supporting operations. Board leadership emphasized the agency's fiscal discipline and called for long-term dedicated funding to enable system modernization. Philadelphia and surrounding counties provide required local matching funds, with the city maintaining support for low-income Zero Fare passengers.