Sixers agree to transit passes for season ticket holders but face funding questions
- Philadelphia 76ers have verbally agreed to provide transit passes to first-year season ticket holders.
- Councilmember Mark Squilla is advocating for this initiative to continue until SEPTA usage hits 40%.
- Concerns remain over the funding needed for SEPTA to accommodate increased game attendance.
In late November 2024, discussions around a proposed arena for the Philadelphia 76ers have intensified, particularly regarding the provision of transit passes for first-year season ticket holders. Councilmember Mark Squilla revealed that the team has verbally committed to offering SEPTA and PATCO transit passes, part of a strategy to encourage public transportation use among fans. Squilla advocates for these passes to remain available until usage reaches a target of 40%, which he argues would hold both the city and the Sixers accountable. However, concerns persist over the financing of the additional $20 million annually that SEPTA anticipates would be required to enhance services catering to increased game attendance. The city council is facing pressure to make a decision about the arena proposal as their session nears its end, with apprehensions voiced by some councilmembers about how their votes on related legislation reflect their stance on the overall arena project. Some believe that the arena could revitalize the Market East area, yet others feel it may not be the solution to current community needs. Ongoing hearings underscore the complexities of integrating new developments with established public transit systems, requiring a balance between revitalization ambitions and fiscal prudence.