After a successful launch with employers across the region, SEPTA is expanding its institutional pass program, called SEPTA Key Advantage, to include colleges and universities. Swarthmore College will be the first higher education institution to participate in the SEPTA Key Advantage UPass program.
This revolutionary initiative allows institutions to acquire SEPTA Key cards directly from SEPTA and distribute them to participants, who can use a new or existing SEPTA Key card to load their passes. Just like the Monthly Anywhere TrailPass, SEPTA Key Advantage passes can be used on all SEPTA modes of transportation.
“We are excited to extend the benefits of SEPTA Key Advantage to students at Swarthmore College,” said SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards. “This program will make it easier and less expensive for students to travel to destinations across the region.”
Swarthmore will provide passes to all full-time, actively enrolled students free of charge, with the program running throughout the academic year (September through December and February through May).
Swarthmore students can use their Key cards 24/7 during the academic year, with a 240-ride limit per month (an average of 8 rides per day). Swarthmore will also spend time this year evaluating a possible expansion of the Key Advantage program to college employees.
“Our participation in SEPTA’s Key Advantage UPass program is a chance to not only enhance our students’ living and learning experiences at the College, but also strengthen our commitment to sustainability by encouraging the use of public transportation,” said Anthony Coschignano, Swarthmore College Associate Vice President for Campus Services.
Now open to all employers and institutions, SEPTA Key Advantage is already proving to increase ridership at partnering institutions and bolster an inclusive recovery for the region.
With the approval of Mayor Jim Kenney’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, the City of Philadelphia is participating in the program by offering the passes to 22,000 City employees. The total number of eligible employees is now approaching 55,000.
Interested employers and schools can apply and inquire about SEPTA Key Advantage.
