60611 | SEPTA Key (Fare Collection System/New Payment Technologies) (Various, SEPTA)

The SEPTA Key (New Payment Technologies) Project is modernizing SEPTA’s antiquated fare payment and collection system by replacing it with a system that utilizes contactless payment devices and readers. New Fare Kiosks located in stations and other terminal locations will improve customer convenience for fare instrument purchases. Key Cards will also be widely available in retail establishments throughout the SEPTA service area and will be reloadable: 1) at Fare Kiosks or ticket offices; 2) automatically through an account with SEPTA; or 3) through an on-line transaction or the Call Center.
SEPTA Key is unique because it will include all of SEPTA’s service modes. In addition to bus, rail transit, and regional rail fare collection improvements, this project will include improvements to the payment and collection procedures for SEPTA’s Customized Community Transportation (CCT) operation and SEPTA’s parking operations. Computer equipment and software systems will support the enhanced system-wide fare collection system.
SEPTA Key deployment is substantially complete for Transit services (Bus, Trolley, Trackless Trolley and High Speed Lines). Regional Rail phased roll-out is underway with Trailpasses in service. Railroad deployment will continue through 2020 with Travel Wallet, conductor sales, and other features and products. CCT development is underway with deployment starting in 2020. Upcoming Key features include: upgraded Key Card readers, mobile ticketing and open payment/ mobile wallets.
Companion projects supporting the SEPTA Key project include: SEPTA Key 2.0 Fare Payment System, bus and trolley farebox upgrade; Market-Frankford Line and Broad Street Line fiber optics improvements; electrical support for new fare lines at five Center City Regional Rail stations (Temple University, Jefferson Station, Suburban Station, 30th Street Station and Penn Medicine Station); Broad Street Line, Market-Frankford Line and Trolley station fare line improvements; zone offices to monitor fare lines and assist passengers; control modifications for elevators; Railroad station waiting room security; provision of power to Railroad Parking Payment Stations; and 30th Street Railroad Station ticket office/vendor relocations. These SEPTA Key companion projects are necessary to provide enhanced customer service and achieve cost efficiencies and revenue enhancements. Most of this work is complete or nearing completion.
Proposed future funding will ensure SEPTA Key technology remains up-to-date are included in the Safety and Security Technology Upgrades project within the Safety & Security Program.
The SEPTA Board approved a loan agreement with the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), Limited Partnership (LP) XXVIII, to partially finance this project. The total project cost includes the loan repayment, interest, and companion project costs.
The total project cost is $315M. Funding is programmed as follows: Prior year funds in the amount of $310M and $5M in FY 2023.
Also included in this program is SEPTA Key 2.0. The total estimated cost of the SEPTA Key 2.0 project is currently $225,000,000. Only $15M is programmed for the design phase of the SEPTA Key 2.0. SEPTA is in the process of incorporating the project into its FY 2024 Capital Program development. SEPTA is planning to initiate the procurement process for this project and needs to be on the TIP in order to meet Federal requirements. SEPTA will submit a future TIP action to program the remaining $210 million of project funding upon completion of the FY2024 Capital Budget Development process.
The SEPTA Key 2.0 Fare Payment System project includes upgrading the existing infrastructure to a next-generation, account-based electronic fare collection system, which is necessary in order to meet future needs. This will also provide a more flexible and secure back-office system and will include the replacement of obsolete field equipment. The SEPTA Key 2.0 Fare Payment System supports the implementation of the SEPTA Forward Strategic Plan, which includes the following goals and objectives:
Improve the customer experience with simple, intuitive interfaces
Use modern technology to streamline operations
Reduce fare evasion
Improve financial controls
Maximize system flexibility with an open architecture to integrate with other mobility providers
Enhance data security
Deploy equitable fare policies
In addition to the System Upgrade, SEPTA Key 2.0 will also include the following:
Parking System - To support revenue collection at SEPTA controlled parking lots and garages, the Parking System will be integrated with the new core Fare Payment System and will provide an open lot, garage and parking permit.
Continual Fare Media Order - This contract will provide for new forms of fare media inventory required to support future fare collection operations and sales. The types of fare media include:
Extended-Use Media (reloadable smart cards)
Limited-Use Media (Disposable Smart media aka DSM)
Paper Tickets (QR-code)
Virtual Key Cards
Improved mobile payment applications
Building Access System - SEPTA will procure the supplies, equipment and software required to support building access at designated SEPTA facilities accessed by SEPTA staff, contractors and building tenants.
Call Center Operations - The build-out, equipping, and staffing of a call center to process inbound calls and contacts from SEPTA Key customers.
More powerful and secure back-office system.
Project status updates are available online at http://www.septa.org/key/.

No milestones are available for this project.