March 09, 2017
SEPTA is finally about to fully implement its new fare payment system as subway and bus riders will be able to pay per ride next week.
Beginning Monday, the SEPTA Key Card will allow customers to upload funds on its Travel Wallet feature for one-time travel. Previously, the card was only available to riders who purchased weekly or monthly passes.
"The future of fare payment is here for SEPTA bus, subway and trolley riders," said Jeffrey Knueppel, SEPTA general manager. "This is a great time for customers to transfer to the SEPTA Key, and begin enjoying all the options and benefits it offers."
Transit officials said that cards are scheduled to be rolled out over the next two weeks at select stops along the Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line and major bus loops.
On Monday, fare kiosks at the following locations will have cards (a full schedule is available on SEPTA's website):
• MFL: 15th Street Plaza, 15th Street Express, 13th Street and 11th Street stations.
• BSL: Cecil B. Moore, AT&T, Walnut-Locust, Dilworth Park and Olney
• Olney Transportation Center
Riders will have the option to upload between $10 and $250 on their cards and take advantage of the tap-and-go travel capability. Funds can be applied with cash, debit or credit cards. Customers who have tokens can load them on their cards using the kiosks.
Using the Travel Wallet, riders will be charged at the discounted token rate ($1.80) and the card will also process transfers. Using cash, a fare costs $2.25.
SEPTA began last June to update its payment systems and has rolled out features gradually since then.
