Transit in Philly Rides Again... For Now

"SEPTA would have to hold hearings in the region's five counties and get approval from its 15-member board before implementing any fare increase.

[SEPTA spokeswoman Jerri] Williams was quick to say the new contract agreed to yesterday for bus drivers, subway and trolley operators, and mechanics was not to blame for a fare hike.

There was no wage increase for the first year of that contract, and the $1,250-per-worker ratification bonus is to be paid from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation budget, not SEPTA's.

'It has nothing to do directly with the contract,' Williams said of a possible fare increase. She noted that a transportation funding and reform commission in 2006 recommended regular fare increases to keep up with rising costs."