PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- SEPTA says a fare hike is going into effect in just over a week, and officials are hoping the services that were cut will be restored by then as well.
During a news conference on Friday, SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer said a 21.5% fare hike will go into effect on Sunday, Sept. 14.
That means the base fare will rise from $2.50 to $2.90.
In addition, he said the transit agency is asking PennDOT to release $394 million from the public transit trust fund to keep SEPTA's operations running.
Sauer said he is optimistic that the request will be approved early next week.
If that happens, Sauer said SEPTA will also be able to restore service on Sept. 14.
The money from the trust fund, along with money from a stabilization fund, will keep SEPTA funded for another two