# Committee on Transportation & Public Utilities 10-6-26

Philadelphia City Council’s Committee on Transportation & Public Utilities held a public hearing on October 6, 2026, regarding Resolution 260441 and possible expansion of SEPTA student fare access. The School District of Philadelphia and SEPTA described the current program, which generally serves eligible students in grades 7–12 who live at least 1.5 miles from school or meet other eligibility criteria, with weekday and time restrictions. The district said expanded use would not qualify for Pennsylvania Department of Education reimbursement and could not be absorbed without a dependable funding source. Preliminary estimates ranged from about $35 million for expanded eligibility without changing current time and date restrictions, to about $50 million for access without those restrictions during the school year, and roughly $60–$65 million for year-round access; the district’s broader estimate was approximately $63.8 million. A potential reduced rate with SEPTA had been discussed but was not fully vetted or approved.

Council members and witnesses discussed possible targeted pilots, extending access for after-school activities and jobs, and broader year-round access, alongside concerns about student safety, affordability, fare compliance, and how costs and actual ridership would be calculated. SEPTA and the district agreed to follow up on questions including the cutoff time, hazardous walking-route criteria, utilization and pricing assumptions, and possible targeted models. Students, parents, youth organizations, and transit advocates supported expansion, while SEPTA and the district emphasized that any expansion requires an ongoing funding source. The hearing transcript records no vote, contract award, or procurement action; the resolution was discussed as authorization for hearings.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Transportation, Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 06, 2026

### Sources
- [Committee on Transportation & Public Utilities 10-6-26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slh4Yv8Kbdw) - Philadelphia City Council