It's pretty pathetic that SEPTA won't pony up for new ticket machines, especially at busier stations. But the whining from the public isn't much better. Unless you only take the train a couple of times a year (in which case the higher ticket prices matter little), it's easy to plan ahead.

For instance, if you take the R5 once a week to/from center city, buy a 10-ride ticket. Or, just buy two one-ways every time you're downtown. Use one for the outward journey and hold onto the other one from the trip downtown next week. Problem solved.

And in reality, SEPTA for decades has rewarded bus riders who buy tickets (that is, tokens) ahead of time. If you pay cash on board the bus, you pay a higher fare than if you used a token, which is basically a single-ride ticket purchased in advance. Furthermore, if you board a bus with only a $5 bill and expect change, you're out of luck. This is the way it is for bus riders the world over. It seems that commuter train passengers have been spoiled by not having to purchase in advance, and not having to have exact change.

My advice would be to get over it.

That being said, SEPTA really should purchase and install new ticket vending machines. You'd think they would ultimately pay for themselves by allowing them to cut back on ticket agents.