Scan your Septa Key Card with Your Phone: A Quick Guide

Can I scan my SEPTA Key card from my phone?

SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) has recently introduced a new feature in their mobile app that allows users to pay for fares using their smartphones. This feature is called SEPTA Key Tix and it enables users to download a QR-code ticket that can be scanned at fare boxes and turnstiles.

How to use SEPTA Key Tix

To use SEPTA Key Tix, you need to follow these steps:

1. Download the SEPTA app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
2. Sign into your Key Card account or set one up if you don't have one.
3. Once you're signed in, you can access the SEPTA Key Tix feature and download your QR-code ticket.
4. When boarding a bus, subway, or trolley, simply scan the QR-code ticket at the fare box or turnstile.

It's important to note that SEPTA Key Tix allows you to pay for up to five riders at once by scanning a single barcode. This is particularly useful for families and friends traveling together.

Benefits of using SEPTA Key Tix

SEPTA Key Tix offers several advantages over traditional payment methods:

• Convenience: With SEPTA Key Tix, you don't need to carry cash or physical cards. Your smartphone becomes your ticket, making it easier and more convenient to pay for fares.
• Flexibility: SEPTA Key Tix allows you to pay for multiple riders at once, making it convenient for group travel.
• Efficiency: Scanning a QR-code ticket is quick and efficient, reducing the time spent at fare boxes and turnstiles.
• Security: SEPTA Key Tix is linked to your Key Card account, ensuring that your fares are securely stored and protected.

Future developments

SEPTA has plans to further enhance the mobile ticketing platform in the coming year. Some of the upcoming developments include:

• Integration with mobile payment services: SEPTA plans to enable users to pay for fares using Apple Pay or Google Pay. This will provide users with more payment options and greater convenience.
• Tap-and-go payment: SEPTA is exploring the possibility of allowing users to pay by tapping a credit or debit card directly at the fare box or turnstile. This feature is already offered by other large metropolitan transit systems.
• Mobile payments on Regional Rail: Currently, SEPTA Key Tix is only available for bus, subway, and trolley rides. However, SEPTA plans to expand the mobile payment feature to include Regional Rail in the near future.

SEPTA's mobile ticketing platform has been in a testing phase for several months, with about 1,200 volunteers participating in the closed test. The feedback from these testers has been valuable in improving the platform and addressing any issues or frustrations.

SEPTA officials are confident that the mobile ticketing platform will provide a seamless and convenient experience for commuters. They believe that the multitap feature, which allows for payment of up to five riders at once, will be particularly useful during busy travel periods.

Overall, the introduction of SEPTA Key Tix and the ability to scan your SEPTA Key card from your phone represents a significant step forward in modernizing the fare payment process. With further developments in the pipeline, SEPTA is committed to providing commuters with more convenient and efficient ways to pay for fares.