SEPTA is making changes! After a four-year break that offered Regional Rail riders free parking, parking fees are set to return at all 96 surface lots and three garages. The transition will take place between September 23 and November 15, introducing a new mobile payment system to streamline the process and replace the old coin slot boxes.
The decision to pause parking fees at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic was part of SEPTA’s strategy to rejuvenate lagging ridership on Regional Rail. With this shift, the daily parking fee at SEPTA’s surface lots will double to $2, while parking at the three garages – Frankford Transportation Center, Norristown Transportation Center, and Lansdale Station – will be $4 per day. However, parking will remain free on weekends and major holidays.
Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, Regional Rail ridership has shown signs of improvement, with figures reaching 66% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of June – a 14% increase compared to June 2023. Systemwide, SEPTA’s ridership is now at 75% of pre-pandemic levels, marking a significant milestone since early 2020.
SEPTA’s decision to resume parking fees came after awarding a $12.3 million contract to Flowbird America Inc., the developers of the new payment system. The updated system will feature payment stations that accept credit/debit cards and coins, as well as mobile payment options via text message or a dedicated app, with clear instructions provided at all locations.
Enforcement officers will be on hand to monitor the parking lots, using advanced technology to track license plates and issue warnings or violation notices to unauthorized vehicles. The revenue generated from parking fees will help offset maintenance costs at the lots and garages.
With a budget shortfall of $240 million looming after the end of federal support during the pandemic, SEPTA received an additional $51 million from Pennsylvania lawmakers in the latest budget. As the authority seeks ways to secure more funding, innovative strategies such as selling naming rights to stations and implementing taller gates to deter fare evasion have been on the table in recent years.