SEPTA is considering some major changes

At the same time that SEPTA is contemplating big fare hikes and service cuts, it is also proposing changes that would redraw the Regional Rail map, eliminate transfers, and lower the cost of tokens.

SEPTA's new budget proposal creates four possible scenarios. Two would change fares, but not the way they are administered. The other two - dubbed simplification plans - would change fares and also merge rail zones, eliminate paper transfers, and otherwise alter the fare structure.

A ridership group criticized the proposed changes in fare structure as ill-conceived and poorly timed. The group also argued the elimination of transfers would increase bus crowding and mean slower trips.

The need for a Plan A and a Plan B is driven by SEPTA's uncertainty about state funding for the new budget year, beginning July 1. Plan A (the small-fare-hike option) anticipates a $100 million increase in state financial aid, while Plan B (the big-fare-hike option) anticipates no increase.

"Simplification" may mean confusion for passengers as they grapple with SEPTA's multiple scenarios. But the simplification versions of Plans A and B were designed to streamline SEPTA's complex web of fares and zones, said John F. McGee Jr., SEPTA's chief officer for revenue, ridership, marketing and sales.

They're also designed to prod riders toward using passes and tokens.

The streamlined proposals would not raise fares as much as the "standard" proposals but would still generate as much revenue, McGee said.

The biggest changes under the "simplified" plans would be the elimination of paper transfers and some Regional Rail and suburban transit zones. The cost of a subway or bus token would drop to $1.25 from the current $1.30 under "simplified" Plan A. And SEPTA would introduce a new transit-only day pass and discounts for advance, round-trip purchases of Regional Rail tickets.

The proposed change in rail zones would reduce the number of zones from six to four. The current Zones 1 and 4 would be eliminated. And some stations on the fringes of a current zone would be moved to a new zone.

The price of what is now a Zone 3 weekly pass would rise from the current $34.50 to $39 under Plan A and to $45 under Plan B.

Matthew Mitchell of the Delaware Valley Association of Rail Passengers said the elimination of paper transfers would greatly increase costs for many riders and prompt bus passengers to stay on slower buses rather than transfer to more rapid subway and elevated lines. And he said the rail zone change seemed designed for "management convenience, rather than passenger convenience." Mitchell also questioned the timing of the proposed changes.

"I think they're using the controversy over the size of the fare increase to try to sneak this through," he said. "There may be a case for this, but this is not the time to be making it."

Mitchell criticized a SEPTA proposal to charge rail customers more for buying a ticket on board even if the boarding station does not sell tickets.

The full details of SEPTA's budget scenarios are posted in SEPTA vehicles and on the Web at www.septa.org. Public hearings are scheduled on the proposals on April 11 (Montgomery County), April 12 (Philadelphia), April 13 (Chester County), and April 16 (Bucks County).