News 06/01: SEPTA Reopening Guide

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SEPTA Reopening Guide

MASK REQUIREMENT POLICY + REOPENING GUIDE

As of Monday, June 8th, SEPTA is requiring all riders to wear a mask when boarding any SEPTA train, bus, or trolley.

As Philadelphia reopens and moves to the Yellow Phase, SEPTA has developed a Reopening Guide to help riders navigate what service is running, what is required of riders, and what cleaning measures is the authority taking. Highlights of the Yellow Phase Reopening Guide include: 

  • Riders are required to wear face coverings
  • Vehicle passengers limits and social distancing decals
  • Enhanced vehicle and station cleaning which includes: Sanitizing every vehicle at least twice a day; Deploying trained crews to sanitize high-touch surfaces on trains, buses, trolleys and facilities; and Cleaning, disinfecting and overnight power washing open stations

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City transit service will continue a regular service schedule and Regional Rail service which is currently on a Lifeline service will transition to an enhanced Saturday schedule starting June 28th. Be aware that services may change or be adjusted based on the demand and number of passengers utilizing service. This is being done in order to meet ridership demand and allow for social distancing.

As a reminder, front door boarding and fare collection is in effect and passengers are asked to exit using the center door. However, this is not required for riders with disabilities or persons ages 65+ who require assistance when exiting SEPTA fleets.

10-Point Plan for a Safe Return to Travel


FARE CHANGES

We are pleased to see SEPTA adopt some of the recommendations Transit Forward Philadelphia proposed in our fare proposal back in May and June. As of July 1st, the following fare changes will take place:

  • All children under the age of 12 traveling with a fare-paying adult will be able to ride for free on all modes, system-wide.
  • One Free Transfer: Customers who use Travel Wallet on SEPTA Key will get one free transfer per trip. Current cash customers are encouraged to get a Key Card so that they can receive the free transfer.
  • Extended Transfer Time-Frame: Customers will now have up to two hours from the start of their trip to use a transfer.
  • There is no increase in the $2.50 cash fare for city transit riders. 
  • Fares for riders with disabilities remains unchanged at $1.25 for those who use a SEPTA Key Card, and will now include one free transfer.
  • Fares for CCT Paratransit/Shared Ride remain unchanged at $4.25.

Read more on SEPTA's fare policy changes from this article by Pat Madej at the Philadelphia Inquirer. Read the official press release here.

SEPTA Key Travel Wallet on Regional Rail

SEPTA will launch the Travel Wallet on SEPTA Key for Regional Rail customers starting Monday, July 13. Riders will be able to tap in and out at card readers at all five Center City stations. Riders will be required to tap for exits in order to ensure they receive the correct fare and are paying the correct zone fares on their Weekly and Monthly Passes.

This contact-less tap system will provide a more hygienic, convenient, and safer payment option for riders. SEPTA is not accepting cash payments aboard Regional Rail trains at this time. Cash paying customers traveling to Center City will have to purchase a Quick Trip at an exit kiosk but conductors will make an exception for cash riders traveling outside of the Center City stations.

The roll out of the Travel Wallet on Regional Rail coincides with increase in Regional Rail service. Most lines now run hourly, with the airport and Paoli/Thorndale lines running every 30 minutes. Chestnut Hill West and Cynwyd lines remain suspended. 

Senior Key Application

Applications for a "Senior Ride Free" Key Card are now open!

Anyone 65 years of age or older can make an appointment by calling 215-580-7145 and press #6 or go to https://go.oncehub.com/septacct. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.