The cost of a single trip on buses and subways has increased from $2.50 to $2.90. Regional Rail fares have also gone up by $1 to $2 per trip.
READ MORE | Full SEPTA service resumes with fare hikes
"It is eating into other people's budgets, and they've had to make some sacrifices," said Marie Harris of Southwest Philadelphia.
SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer stated that the agency generates approximately 21% of its revenue from fares. To address fare evasion, SEPTA is expanding gates that are harder to hop over.
"What we refer to as our 3D fare gates," Sauer said, "We have already seen about a 10% decrease in fare evasion."
"It's a disservice to our city when people are doing that. Hopping the rails to get a free ride," said rider, Benjamin Moore of East Falls.
Riders have noticed improvements since service was restored.
"Service is more frequent now, more reliable. I don't have to leave the house or plan ahead an hour like I used to," Moore said.
"I was mad because I think it should've never happened and they didn't do enough to prevent it," Harris said.
To maintain operations, SEPTA is using $394 million originally set aside for capital improvements.
"It's certainly a fine line we walk in trying to fund these projects," says Scott Sauer, adding that safety is the top priority.
While transit funding is no longer a sticking point in this year's state budget, SEPTA officials say they want to stay top of mind for lawmakers. These capital funds are expected to run out in two years.