SEPTA stops selling tickets on board PM trains leaving Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WTXFAP) - Philadelphia's main transit agency will no longer let Regional Rail riders buy tickets on trains if they're leaving Philadelphia during the evening rush hour.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's new ticketing policy goes into effect Monday. Riders will have to buy tickets at ticket offices before even getting to Regional Rail train platforms on weekday afternoons for trains leaving 3-6:30pm.

FOX 29's Dave Kinchen reports those stations are Jefferson, Suburban, 30th Street, University City and Temple.

SEPTA officials say the change was spurred by scheduling issues created by the loss of more than a 100 rail cars due to a structural defect.

Spokesman Andrew Busch said the agency got complaints about people getting free rides because conductors didn't have time to check all tickets on overcrowded trains. Busch said the move should also speed boarding.

Just make sure to have your ticket before heading to the platform.