Since we all know and love the Metro for their, ahem, exemplary journalistic ventures, I’ll just go ahead and give them full credit for this entry.

Being a die-hard SEPTA fan and a lover of the living wage (maybe because I’m attempting to actually earn it?), I rejoiced to see that the city has hiked cab fare again! It’s actually the first time in 14 years that such a move has occured, but I’m settling in for the usual bitching and moaning from the “jet set” crowd, since, you know, SEPTA isn’t good enough for them. According to el Metro, the PPA is raising fares 18.2%, which makes us the 9th highest among 20 major cities. (Which other cities are on the list?)

According to Jim Ney, director of the Authority’s taxi and limo division, they are honoring the request to keep fares stable until after Live 8 because “It would send the wrong message to visitors coming to enjoy the holiday weekend.” So thanks, tourists! You’ll keep our cab fares cheaper for another few days; the hike is supposed to happen on July 5.

And for those who have not yet discovered the joy of the R1 Airport line, the new airport flat rate is now $25 instead of just $20. Yeehaw. (R1 is still holding at $5.50 a ride, according to SEPTA.)

More reading: Inquirer @ Philly.com

1. Septa Fare Changes
2. Mr. Bush goes to Philadelphia
3. Private Trolley Ride
4. Airport closed last night because of burning plane
5. SEPTA Strike is over!!