Tuesday was a step in making the proposed Sixers arena a reality as City Council held its first public hearing.

On the first day of Philadelphia City Council’s high-profile hearings on the 76ers’ arena proposal, lawmakers raised concerns about the project’s potential impact on SEPTA, whether the $50 million community benefits agreement negotiated by Mayor Cherelle L.

Both sticking points boil down to funding. And it’s unclear if the Sixers are willing to spend more to make the Center City arena a reality.

Philadelphia's mass transit system is proposing a 21.5% fare increase starting New Year's Day and also considering severe service cuts that would take effect in the summer.

SEPTA is proposing major fare increases and cutting services due to budget problems, something that could soon happen to transit agencies across Pennsylvania, according to a state House representative.

Sauer said there will be two public hearings on the fare increase proposals beginning on Dec. 13 as well as hearings scheduled in the spring or late winter on the looming service cuts.