SEPTA efficiency efforts raise $91M in revenue, savings

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's (SEPTA) efficiency and accountability program (E&A) has identified $91.4 million in annual recurring new revenue and cost savings since the program's launch in 2021.

SEPTA has committed to becoming a more cost effective organization as it faces a $213 million budget deficit starting July 1, SEPTA officials said in a press release.

Since the E&A program was launched, employees created 140 cost-saving initiatives, such as a hiring and pay freeze for management, reductions in consultant contracts and a ban on travel and discretionary expenses. These changes reduced SEPTA's structural deficit from $240 million to $213 million.

“As we continue to make the case for funding transit, we understand that self-help must be part of the solution to put SEPTA in the best financial position possible,” said SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth Lawrence.

SEPTA also announced the  launch of a new phase of its E&A program focused on strategic areas such as safety, fare evasion and joint development. This phase will take place over the next three years and is expected to generate $76 million.