Urging the City of Philadelphia Representatives on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Board to oppose SEPTA's proposed fare increases especially increases related to the Shared Ride Program.

WHEREAS, An increase in the proposed fare for the SEPTA Shared Ride Program which is operated in Philadelphia by SEPTA’s para-transit division, CCT Connect, will have a heavy impact on older Philadelphians; and

WHEREAS, The Shared Ride Program is a Pennsylvania State Lottery funded program which provides a reduced fare, door to door transportation service to residents of Philadelphia, age 65 and older who are registered in the program; and

WHEREAS, The Shared Ride Program has a dedicated funding stream from the Pennsylvania Lottery and would not benefit from the dedicated state funding for fixed route service; and

WHEREAS, Payment for the ride is shared between the state which pays for 85% of the ride and the senior citizen who pays the 15% balance. Together 100% of this reimbursement goes to SEPTA; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia seniors rely on this program for rides to critical medical and social services, such as dialysis and doctor’s visits as well as adult day care, senior center programming, shopping and banking; and

WHEREAS, Currently SEPTA’s reimbursement for an individual one way ride is $23.35 or $46.50 for any round trip cost, regardless of the proximity; and

WHEREAS, With the proposed increase for an individual one way ride would be $26.70 or $53.40 for a round trip, regardless of the proximity; and

WHEREAS, SEPTA has yet to provide an explanation as to why their reimbursement for the Shared Ride Program requires such an exorbitant increase which would not only drain the limited resources of many seniors but also further drain the lottery system; and

WHEREAS, Senior advocacy groups such as Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging are working hard to prevent this fare increase and its adverse effect on the seniors of Philadelphia; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council urges the City of Philadelphia Representatives on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Board to oppose SEPTA’s proposed fare increases especially increases related to the Shared Ride Program.

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