Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), a regional public transportation authority, is launching a mobile ticketing pilot program that allows riders to purchase tickets for one or more people using a smartphone.
By using the SPETA app, riders can purchase SEPTA Key Tix for trips on buses, trolleys, and certain subway train lines. Within the app, customers can use a credit card to download a QR-code ticket that can be read at fareboxes and turnstiles. SEPTA said it plans to expand the program to its regional rail lines in 2023. SEPTA Key Tix gives groups of riders traveling together the capability to scan once and pay fares for up to five riders using a single barcode.
“We are thrilled to launch this exciting new program, which makes SEPTA more convenient for customers looking to pay for their trips in advance without purchasing a physical card,” said SEPTA General Manager and CEO Leslie S. Richards. “As the holiday season quickly approaches, now is the perfect time for people to take advantage of these features while traveling in groups to visit loved ones.”
SEPTA notes that this program does not replace the traditional SEPTA Key Cards, but rather is focused on providing the occasional rider a way to enjoy the same benefits as Key Card users, including one free transfer per Transit trip.
During a closed pilot this fall, more than 1,200 tested the program. Now, the beta is open for anyone to join. To participate in the pilot, riders just need to download the SEPTA app, available for both Android and Apple phones.
