Politics & Government

SEPTA Stops Increase Suburban Property Values, Study Says

The transit agency is lobbying the state legislature for more funding.

Written by Eric Campbell

study from Econsult Solutions for SEPTA has concluded that suburban homes near SEPTA stations enjoy a bump in property values.

The firm, analyzing 2005-2012 home sales throughout Montgomery, Delaware, Chester and Bucks counties, found an average premium of $7,900 per property. Homeowners near high-traffic stations saw even bigger boosts, averaging more than $30,000, according to the study.

SEPTA announced in September it would have to shut down service on some lines without more funding, starting next year with the Cynwyd Regional Rail line and then the Media/Elwyn Regional Rail line in 2015. The state Senate has passed more funding, as reported by CBS Philly and others; the House has yet to vote on it.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported the Econsult study—which can be read in full here—cost SEPTA about $5,000 plus "data and in-kind services".

What do you consider are the pros and cons of living near a SEPTA station? Please tell us in the comments section below.


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