SEPTA is important to the daily lives of all Philadelphians, it connects people to jobs, healthcare, education, and leisure activities. However the cost of travel heavily burdens low income people and people of color in Philadelphia at a higher rate than the rest of the country. It is well known that having access to affordable transportation is often the most effective way to elevate people out of poverty, and is a proven way to give people access to better opportunities.

Funded by the city of Philadelphia, SEPTA piloted a two year Zero Fare program to great success. In the first year alone, participants took more than 4.3 million trips. Testimonials from participants reported it to be a “life-changing program.”

Unfortunately this promising two year pilot program has now come to an end, and based on the Parker administration's proposed budget for 2026, the city is not planning to renew the program. We are asking that you please sign our petition to tell Mayor Parker and City Council that you support continuing to fund the Zero Fare Program for low income Philadelphians.

Geography

• The program largely supports working-age adults traveling during rush hour.
• 24,000 low-income riders enrolled in the program

Commuting

• The highest usage is from lowest income neighborhoods
• 4.3 million trips in the first year

 

Please sign this petition to tell Mayor Parker and City Council that you support keeping the the Zero Fare Program for low income Philadelphians. Then share the petition on social media to help spread the word!