Next year, SEPTA will gain around $200 million more in funding than last year due to a $2.3 billion increase in funding from Pennsylvania Public Transportation Trust Fund across the state. The authority has released a five-year plan to fix, add and multiply. So what will that mean for you as a rider?

1. Trains, not death traps

More than $100 million will be spent on infrastructure to improve safety, with $43.3 million alone going into improving bridges, some that are over 100 years old. The authority currently faces $5 billion in vital repairs.

2. Fewer suspicious seat stains

Whether train, trolly or bus, SEPTA plans to add more new vehicles to their ever-aging fleet. 'Middle-aged' cars make up most of the regional rail trains.

3. More accessibility

Most outer stations on the regional rail are not accessible to those who cannot walk or struggle with stairs. But SEPTA plans to put $61 million into improving substations, adding accessibility in some. The authority also plans to purchase low-floor trolleys and install more elevators.

4. A less-leaky concourse

SEPTA will now be responsible for the $1.3 million spent every year to maintain miles of underground stations in Center City, and plans to invest even more in necessary repairs (perhaps fixing the leaks in Suburban Station).

5. An end to endless waiting

Many SEPTA buses rarely come when the schedule estimates that they will. But in the next 5 years, the authority plans to work on making sure that buses arrive when they are supposed to.

6. Online, on the go

Communication is key, especially when your train has been cancelled due to severe weather. So SEPTA plans to spend $58.9 million on improving speed and consistency of updates on its website while also adding more Wi-Fi connections. In addition, the authority plans to engage more on social media, aiming to reach 1.5 times more people by 2019, more than the current number of riders.

7. More riders, more space

The authority is aiming to grow its ridership by 5 percent in the next 5 years. At the same time, SEPTA plans to add more vehicles to prevent overcrowding.

8. A more diverse authority

Just 16 percent of management positions at SEPTA are held by women. By 2019, the authority plans for 1 in 5 in management to be women. SEPTA also plans to increase the number of people of color and women in professional positions as well by actively increasing outreach efforts. 

Only time will tell if SEPTA reaches its goals and changes riders' daily commutes. The authority is accepting public comments on the plan until June 20, 2014.