Image courtesy of SEPTA Facebook
Riders will need to purchase fares on the SEPTA key card or on-board the train starting today
It seems everywhere you go, there are fewer people working and more automated processes. You check out your own groceries. Banks rely on ATMs and online apps. It shouldn’t be too surprising that SETPA, too, is looking toward automation to replace some of its in-person sale sites.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, more commonly known as SEPTA, announced they will be shuttering a number of regional rail sales offices, which began to go into effect on Sept. 20.
“Most stations will remain open during normal business hours for registered SEPTA key cardholders, as well as Senior, Reduced Fare, and CCT cardholders, to access seating, restrooms, and other amenities,” said a release from SEPTA.
The rail stations will still be stops and offer some interior accommodations. However, those wishing to purchase a ticket will need to access one of the many other ways of buying a ticket. SEPTA has a variety of purchase options, which include a SEPTA key card and on-board payment.
It is these methods that have allowed SEPTA to reduce in-person sales. The following offices will be shuttered for in-person sales, beginning on Sept. 20:
If you opt to purchase tickets once on-board, you can pay for a fare using cash or credit. SEPTA is encouraging its customers to select the key card option both for ease of use, but also to protect your fares if your card lost or stolen.
Key cards are sold online for SEPTA here. They can be reloaded on the same website. Once received, you will also register the card via the same online source.
Once registered, the card acts as a debit card would. It also allows you to report a card as lost or stolen, meaning your funds on the card are protected. A card comes at a cost of $4.95 for the initial purchase, but those that register the card online within 30 days are also refunded the cost, as it will be added to the available funds in the “Travel Wallet.”
For more information on the in-person sales office closings, or to find out more about the SEPTA key card, visit septakey.org or call 855-567-3782. You can also visit septa.org or follow the authority on Twitter @SEPTA or download the SEPTA app.
