DRIVERS are now being hit with a daily parking fee, even on weekends and holidays, under a controversial new “Doomsday” plan.
The move took effect Monday and applies to anyone leaving their car at lots or garages operated by SEPTA.
SEPTA has started charging daily parking fees, including on weekends and holidays (stock image)[/caption]
Riders will also see fare hikes, service cuts (stock image)[/caption]
The change impacts dozens of locations across Pennsylvania, including the Frankford Transportation Center and Norristown.
Parking, which was previously free on weekends and holidays, will now cost $2 a day at surface lots and $4 at garages.
The sudden shift is part of SEPTA’s newly approved “Doomsday” budget, aimed at closing a massive funding shortfall.
The SEPTA Board passed the fiscal year 2026 plan in June as the agency stares down a $213 million recurring deficit, CBS News reported.
As part of that budget, parking fees are now enforced seven days a week at 35 additional SEPTA-owned sites.
“We are doing everything we can to generate revenue during this funding crisis,” SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer told CBS.
“Collecting parking fees 24/7 is another example of how we are working to make SEPTA more efficient without compromising safety,” he added.
Monthly permit parking fees remain suspended at all SEPTA-operated surface lots and garages, at least for now.
The changes come as SEPTA battles to survive amid declining ridership and rising costs.
The authority says it hasn’t fully recovered since transit habits were disrupted by the pandemic.
The transit agency first brought back parking fees in September 2024.
In 2024, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stepped in to prevent deeper cuts, steering $153 million in federal highway funds to SEPTA.
But it wasn’t enough to plug the looming budget hole long term.
SEPTA’s “Doomsday” plan includes cutting service by 45% and hiking fares by 21.5%.
How to fight a parking ticket
You can avoid being ticketed by following all posted laws and ordinances, but sometimes mistakes are made
Like any form of citation, parking tickets are preventable by reading and obeying posted signage. However, when visiting a new city, or state, or in a hurry, things can be missed and mistakes are made.
Suddenly there’s a ticket you weren’t prepared to pay for. If the ticket is a surprise to you, there are a few things you can do to help your case when appealing a parking ticket.
- Carefully read the ticket. Look for errors like incorrect street names, license plate numbers, vehicle make and model, time and date, etc. Errors would then make the ticket invalid.
- Take photos. Of the vehicle in the parking space, lack of signage, or other vehicles that weren’t cited for performing the same parking job. If the ticket involves parking too close to something like a fire hydrant, a photo showing a reasonable distance would help your case. Make sure metadata with the time and date are accessible. Signs that are obstructed by trees, or are on bent posts, or aren’t “obvious” are great things to photograph, too.
- Make sure the statute that was violated is listed on the ticket. If not listed, the ticket is not valid.
- Promptly follow the appeal instructions on the ticket. All legitimate tickets will have directions for appeal. Waiting until the very last moment weakens your argument and can result in late fees.
- When in court, avoid these phrases as they reduce your credibility and weaken your argument:
- “I didn’t know the law.”
- “I was on my way to move my car.”
- “I can’t afford this ticket.”
- “I’ve been doing this for years.”
- “I checked with the parking officer, who said it was OK.”
- Contact a lawyer. If you’re running into roadblocks and feel stuck, it may be best to reach out to a traffic lawyer in your area. Many have free case consultations.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Riders will feel the impact this fall, when 32 bus routes will be eliminated.
All rail services will also see fewer trips.
Base fares for buses and metro lines are expected to jump to about $3.
Some stations are located near municipal lots that charge different rates and drivers are urged to check posted signage.
A full list of parking lots and garages affected by the changes can be found on SEPTA’s website.
Drivers who receive parking violations can appeal them through SEPTA’s Parking Violations page.
