Many SEPTA riders may be able to park for free at stops throughout the public transit system since the pandemic.

But that will soon come to an end.

On Tuesday, SEPTA officials announced that they will phase out free parking, beginning September 23, 2024.

“These fees will help cover the cost of parking lot maintenance while we continue to do our part to generate revenue amid a funding crisis,” SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie Richards said in a statement. “We understand how increasing fees can impact riders, but hope they still view public transit as an overall value – saving time and money compared to driving.”

In a statement about the move, SEPTA officials said the company’s board of directors awarded a $12.3 million contract to Flowbird America Inc. earlier this year to “develop a new, state-of-the-art parking system that will streamline fare collection and improve customer convenience.”

When parking fees are reinstated, the cost of parking in SEPTA’s surface lots will increase from $1 to $2 and in its three parking garages – Frankford Transportation Center, Norristown and Lansdale – from $2 to $4.

Parking in the car parks remains free on weekends and public holidays.

When fees are reinstated, riders will be able to use a SEPTA parking app, use kiosks in parking lots, or even pay by text message to pay for parking.

Officials said there will be detailed instructions at the parking lots with further information once parking fees are reinstated.

Click here to see the full schedule for the rollout, which is scheduled to begin on September 23, 2024.