Contactless Payments

September 29, 2023

SEPTA customers can tap their contactless credit card, debit card, smart phone or watch to ride SEPTA buses, trolleys, and subways. Regional Rail will follow in Summer 2024.

SEPTA joins a growing number of transit systems around the world that are accepting contactless payments. And is the fourth transit agency in the country to offer contactless payments.

“This technology makes SEPTA more convenient for everyone to use SEPTA – whether you are a regular customer, occasional rider or a new customer,” said SEPTA General Manager/CEO Leslie Richards. “By giving our riders the option to pay their fares with what they already have in their pockets, we are making our system easier to use. This will be critical as we continue with efforts to rebuild ridership.”

Riders on SEPTA’s city and suburban buses, trolleys, Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line, and Norristown High Speed Line can simply tap any credit or debit card, in physical form or through apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at a turnstile and as they board a bus or trolley.

Contactless does not replace SEPTA Key cards – however it provides a simple solution for occasional riders who want to enjoy the same benefits as cardholders including a discounted $2 one-way fare and up to two transfers. To receive the free transfers - you must use the same form of payment for each trip.

Notes: 

There are no passbacks. You cannot use the same card to tap through others in your group. 

You will see a single charge for your total trip costs at the end of the day, and charges will settle on your account within 2 – 3 business days.

Check out the FAQs on this page.

Contactless Pro Tip:

When paying with your contactless credit or debit card - we recommend you take the card out of your wallet or phone back.

Here's why: card clash.

Card clash happens when two or more contactless payment cards are simultaneously detected by a card reader. When this happens - the reader may:

• Not read any card and the turnstile won't unlock or the Operator will not let you board - which can hold you up and the riders behind you  

• Read one card when you first tap and another card when you transfer - charging two full fares for your trip(s)

• Take payment from the wrong card

To avoid card clash - simply take your card out of your wallet or phone back before you board.

Contactless payment is the future of public transportation and this technology will transform how people travel on SEPTA.

For more info - click here.