The current contract between SEPTA and SMART 1594 (Victory district) expired at midnight on Monday, November 18. SEPTA and SMART 1594 continue negotiations, in the meantime there will not be a strike so all SEPTA service continues to operate as normal.
Summary
- In general, Suburban SEPTA Bus and Metro routes will not operate; learn if your service could be affected by a possible work stoppage. Suburban bus and metro riders are encouraged to use Regional Rail, which connects with Center City routes that are still operating. View the full Service Interruption Brochure (PDF). Existing passes will be honored on Regional Rail during a service interruption; see information about Regional Rail fares and pass refunds.
- Please expect crowding on Regional Rail routes, allow extra time while traveling.
- Use SEPTA.org and plan.septa.org for the most accurate service information and real-time trip planning. The SEPTA app and third-party apps may not have the latest information on SEPTA service during a service interruption.
- SEPTA Access operates modified service for registered ADA and SRP customers. Next day booking only, space permitting, available for SRP.
Need help? SEPTA Customer Service (215-580-7800) will operate with extended hours in the event of a service interruption. SEPTA Ambassadors, including employees from all departments, will be dispatched to stations to help riders during a disruption.
Travel Options During a Strike
Bus routes that will be detoured:
- 124: Service to Center City Philadelphia and Wissahickon Transit Center will be temporarily discontinued. Bus service will begin/end at Villanova Station where riders can connect with the Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line.
Regional Rail trains operate according to current published schedule times. Express trains may make extra stops to accommodate increased ridership.
SEPTA Access operates modified service for registered ADA and Shared Ride customers. There may be some delays due to increased demand and street traffic. Shared Ride Program customers can only book next day trips, space permitting.
Fare & Refund Information
Regional Rail Fares
Contactless payment is not accepted on Regional Rail trains; riders should have Travel Wallet funds or a valid pass loaded to their Key card.
Per trip costs are based on Zone/Distance and will be charged to your Key card account balance. Unlike tapping once for travel on Bus and Metro, Regional Rail requires you to tap at the station you board and the station you exit.
Calendar TransPass+ or Zone 1 Passes will be valid at all Regional Rail stations located within the city of Philadelphia (except Forest Hills and Somerton stations, which require a Zone 3 Quick Trip or Key card with Zone 3 pass or Travel Wallet funds).
Children under age 12 ride free with a fare paying adult. Senior citizens (65 or older) ride free with a SEPTA Senior Fare card. Riders with disabilities are eligible for half hare with a Reduced Fare card.
Quick Trips
Valid on the day purchased for one-way travel on Regional Rail trains (purchased from Fare Kiosks or Sales Offices). Prices vary by zone.
Transit Pass Redemption
Unused TransPass+ passes, purchased before a service interruption, will be eligible for a full or partial refund. Riders may contact the SEPTA Key Call Center at 855-567-3782 (Monday – Friday 6 am – 8 pm, Saturday – Sunday 8 am-6 pm) to request a refund for any unused passes.
Train Boarding
Unless otherwise directed by SEPTA staff, fares will be collected for each trip.
- AM hour riders traveling from outlying stations towards Center City must have funds loaded to the Travel Wallet of their Key cards or hold a valid Pass.
- Riders arriving at Center City Stations without a fare will be required to purchase an Exit Quick Trip ticket from the station Exit Kiosk.
- Key card load options include SEPTAKEY.org, phone 855-567-3782, Station Fare Kiosks, Sales Offices and participating retailers.
- PM hour riders (2:45 pm – 7 pm) at Penn Medicine, William H. Gray III 30th Street, Suburban, Jefferson and Temple University stations will present a loaded Key card or valid pass at the turnstile reader. Cash will not be accepted at the point of entry. Riders with cash must purchase a Quick Trip from the Station Kiosk or Sales Office.
- Riders will wait in designated lines at the concourse/mezzanine level to board trains – look for signage and SEPTA staff to help find your waiting area. To ensure safe boarding and avoid confusion, SEPTA staff will direct riders when to proceed to the platform. Please expect crowding and possible delays.
Parking
Parking is available at most SEPTA Regional Rail stations. Surface lots $2.00, Garages $4.00.