NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WLVT) - The SEPTA Key Card is coming to the Philadelphia suburbs. As the SEPTA Key continues to expand its footprint across regional public transit, light and heavy rail customers will be able to pay their fares with it.
“You’re going to be able to self-serve like our transit customers have been able to do for the last two years,” said Leslie Hickman, SEPTA Chief Officer for Revenue Operations.
The Key Card is replacing a series of paper tickets previously sold and holds a digital “Travel Wallet” that can include passes, transfers and money. SEPTA rolled out the Key Card for early adopters in June 2016. The gradual transition was deliberate, Hickman said; it allowed SEPTA time to get feedback and make changes.
“Probably one of the most significant things that our customers told us with respect to the travel wallet, we would like you to lower the minimum from $10 to $5 for the Travel Wallet load,” said Hickman. “And we did that.”
Now SEPTA is continuing the Key Card transition past subways, trolleys and buses. On Monday, Jan. 7, the users of Norristown High Speed Line were able to tap their Key Cards in and out at 69th Street Terminal and the Norristown Transportation Center. Hickman was out at 69th Street Terminal at 6 a.m. to help riders with the new system.
Some riders experienced a little confusion.
“I didn’t even know that they switched over,” said North Philadelphia resident Zaahir Smith.
At the end of the Regional Rail line at Norristown Transportation Center, reviews were generally positive.
“We’ve been to different cities. I have cards for New York; I have cards for Washington, D.C.,” said Mays Landing resident Bill Schmidt. “I’m glad to see Philadelphia step up and make it easier.”
Here’s how it works: SEPTA Key holders tap their card on a validator turnstile, either at the station or at the front of the car when they board. Then they tap out as they exit. The taps count as one ride for people with daily, weekly or monthly passes. Those paying per ride are charged based on where they tap in and out, and transfer rates are applied automatically to their Key Cards.
“You keep the Key Card, you keep your money in your pocket, and it works really good,” Schmidt commented.
You can buy a SEPTA Key Card at a SEPTA Fare Kiosk, located in every subway station, at bus loops, in some Regional Rail stations and at many external retailers throughout the city. The card cost $4.95, but that money will be re-credited to your Travel Wallet if you register your card online within 30 days. You can reload the card at any SEPTA Fare Kiosk or online.
The SEPTA Key is already seeing widespread adoption. 1.1 million Key Cards are in circulation, with more than 8 million reloads and 235 million rides purchased so far, according to SEPTA.
“Philadelphians and the four surrounding counties have really adapted well to the Key Card program,” Hickman said.
There are some difficulties surrounding the transition. For example, users can only tap in and out of the Norristown High Speed Line at its terminal stations. For now, those boarding at stops in between must still use passes or buy tickets on board.
“I’m sure there’s going to be issues along the line, but eventually people will adapt,” Schmidt said.
Commuters said they were more than ready for the SEPTA Key, and that they cared more about convenience than nostalgia.
“I’ve been waiting for them to do it because when I first started using it, I was trying to use my Key Card and I couldn’t. It’s a good thing,” said Smith. “I kind of miss Trans Passes, but ehh.”
SEPTA officials are counting on commuters like Smith to make paperless the way of the future.
“The Key Card is modernizing our fare collection system,” Hickman said.
Next up is Regional Rail. SEPTA began accepting the Key Card on Regional Rail in August on a limited basis: just at some stations for people with monthly Zone 4 passes. But soon, Hickman said, they will expand monthly pass Key access and adding tap-ride-tap single rides. Key Card activation will roll out for the rest of Regional Rail throughout 2019, so you can expect to see it relatively soon at your local station.
