Beginning last Friday, SEPTA took a leap by introducing contactless payment options on all its transit modes, which include buses, subways, and trolleys.
Riders will no longer need to fumble for a SEPTA Key card. Instead, they can tap their credit or debit cards, or use mobile payment apps at turnstiles and fare boxes.
This upgrade is designed to provide users with a seamless, efficient, and modern way to travel, according to SEPTA officials.
SEPTA Board Chairman Pat Deon Sr. expressed his excitement about the new system.
“Contactless payment is the future of public transit, and this technology will transform how people travel on SEPTA,” he said.
The contactless payment system encompasses SEPTA’s city and suburban buses, trolleys, Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line, and the Norristown High Speed Line. Riders can tap any credit or debit card, whether it’s in physical form or via mobile apps such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, as they pass through a turnstile or board a bus or trolley.
The new payment method retains the benefits previously exclusive to the SEPTA Key – notably, a discounted $2 one-way fare and up to two transfers, according to SEPTA.
Local Regional Rail is anticipated to adopt this system in early 2024.
SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards emphasized the convenience of the new system.
“This technology makes SEPTA more convenient for everyone to use SEPTA – whether you are a regular customer, occasional rider or a new customer,” said Richards. “By giving our riders the option to pay their fares with what they already have in their pockets, we are making our system easier to use. This will be critical as we continue with efforts to rebuild ridership.”
The full-scale implementation of the contactless system follows a successful pilot test over the summer, with feedback from nearly 300 participants.
To guide users, any validator showing credit card icons on its screen is equipped to accept these new contactless payments.
As a precaution, SEPTA advised customers to separate their credit/debit cards, Key card, and phone to ensure the right account is charged.
PhillyVoice.com reported SEPTA has spent $285 million on the SEPTA Key card system, and plans to spent $228 million over the next decade.
For further details about SEPTA Key and the new payment methods, visit this website link.
