What does the term "fare zone" refer to in the context of SEPTA?

The term "fare zone" in the context of SEPTA specifically refers to geographic areas that determine fare pricing. This system divides the service area into zones, and the fare a passenger pays is based on the zones they travel through. Different fare zones have established prices to account for the distance and the cost of providing service in those areas. For example, traveling from one zone to another may incur a different fare than traveling longer distances across multiple zones. This helps in standardizing fares based on travel distance and service areas, which is crucial for both revenue management and maintaining a fair pricing structure for passengers.