What is a significant reason for fare increases at SEPTA?

Fare increases at SEPTA are primarily driven by the need to support operational funding and service improvements. This rationale aligns with the broader challenges faced by public transport systems. Funding is essential for maintaining and enhancing the quality of services provided to riders. Increased fares contribute to the revenue needed to cover expenses related to daily operations, upkeep of infrastructure, and investments in service enhancements.

Considerations for operational funding involve addressing the rising costs of maintenance, labor, and fuel, which can affect the system's overall efficiency. Additionally, fare increases provide the necessary financial resources to invest in better services, such as more frequent trains, extended route options, and upgraded facilities, positively impacting the rider experience.

The other options, while they may address important aspects of SEPTA's operations, do not encapsulate the core reason for fare increases in the way that supporting service improvement and funding operations does. Expanding the service area and upgrading customer service facilities are legitimate initiatives, but they typically rely on a stable financial foundation that fare increases help secure, thereby making them secondary to the immediate need for operational sustainability.