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Frequently Asked Questions
Customer Service
How can I contact SEPTA Customer Service?
Communicating with our customers is important to SEPTA. There are four easy ways to contact us:
- Submit a comment or concern through the Customer Service online form.
- E-mail Customer Service at cservice@septa.org. Please allow two to four business days for a response.
- Call Customer Service at 215-580-7800. Agents are available:
Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m;
Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Write Customer Service at:
Customer Service Department
1234 Market Street - 4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
You may also visit our Regional Rail Passenger Services location on the concourse of Suburban Station (opposite the ticket windows) daily from 5 a.m. to midnight for travel information, Lost and Found for Regional Rail (Mon-Fri, 7am-4pm).
Where can I get route and service information for my next trip using SEPTA?
Our Customer Service Agents are available to help plan your travel route by calling 215-580-7800. Our website also has a feature called Plan My Trip that allows you to create custom travel itineraries for our Bus, Subway, Trolley, and Regional Rail services. All you do is enter your starting point, final destination, (street addresses work equally well), and date and time of travel and Plan My Trip will provide travel option information. All possible routes will be outlined, total travel time calculated, and you can also get return trip information.
How can I find out about expected or unexpected service interruptions?
The Travel Alert message on the home page provides details on any unanticipated service alteration.
TrainView provides Regional Rail train status information right to your desktop web browser. You can follow the status of any Regional Rail train simply by knowing its train number. The train number can be found in any published paper, PDF or online Regional Rail schedule. TrainView is updated every three minutes and will automatically refresh in your open web browser. You can also take advantage of TrainView using a browser-enabled cellular phone (http://trainview.septa.org/mobile) or PDA*.
A list of bus detours is updated every five minutes.
The Travel Advisory section offers information on planned changes in service for Bus, Subway, Trolley, Regional Rail, and CCT Connect, or you can call Customer Service.
*While SEPTA provides the TrainView service free of charge, your Internet or cell phone service provider may charge you a fee to receive internet connections on your mobile phone, PDA, or personal computer. Please speak with your service provider for more information about any possible charges to receive TrainView messages.
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Accessibility
How accessible is SEPTA to disabled individuals such as myself?
SEPTA understands the critical role of public transit in making independence and mobility possible for the citizens of our five-county service region. Whatever your disability, we are dedicated to making it easier for customers to use our fixed route and paratransit services through a comprehensive program of accessibility improvements — fleet enhancements, station construction, and other service initiatives. To learn more please visit Accessible SEPTA.
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SEPTA Routes
What is an "Owl" route?
SEPTA has 29 "Owl" routes. Identified by this symbol on the cover of the paper timetable and throughout our website, "Owl" routes operate 24 hours a day. The current list of Owl bus routes includes: 6, 10, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 22, 23, 33, 36, 42, 47, 52, 55, 59, 60, 65, 66, 68, 73, 79, 108, 113, G, L, R. The Market-Frankford and Broad Street Subway Lines operate Owl bus service between the hours of 12 Midnight and 5:00 a.m.
How can I travel to Philadelphie International Airport using SEPTA?
The Airport (R1) Regional Rail train provides service to Philadelphia International Airport every 30 minutes from about 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Bus Routes 37, 108, and 305 service Philadelphia International Airport also.
What is the Route 100 Line?
Frequently called the Norristown High Speed Line, Route 100 is a rail line that operates between 69th Street Terminal and Norristown Transportation Center, with more than 20 stops including Ardmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Radnor and Upper Merion.
What are the Subway Surface Routes?
The Subway Surface routes – noted in green on SEPTA maps and signage – are:
Route 10 - Overbrook to Center City via Lancaster Avenue
Route 11 - Darby Transportation Center to Center City
via Woodland Avenue
Route 13 - Yeadon and Darby to Center City via Chester Avenue
Route 34 - Angora to Center City via Baltimore Avenue
Route 36 - Eastwick to Center City via Elmwood Avenue
All five routes operate through Center City in the Subway-Surface tunnel and stop at Juniper Street, 15th Street, 19th Street, 22nd Street, 30th Street, and 33rd Street Stations before splitting off to different destinations in West Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, and Delaware County. Riders can make free transfers to these routes from the Market-Frankford Line at 13th Street/Juniper Street, 15th Street and 30th St Stations, while Broad Street riders can transfer for free at City Hall/15th Street.
What is LUCY?
LUCY — or Loop through University City — is a bus service that begins at 30th Street Station and operates on two different routes throughout the University City area. LUCY operates on weekdays from about 6:10 a.m. to 7 p.m., leaving 30th Street every 12-35 minutes. Employees and students of University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Health System, and VA Medical Center ride FREE with valid institutional ID. Other passengers pay regular SEPTA transit fares. For more information on LUCY, call 215-580-7800 or review the schedule.
What is an "alternate" schedule?
City Transit Division bus routes operate on an "alternate" schedule for days, not designated as major holidays, SEPTA expects fewer riders because many businesses and schools are closed. Sometimes called a "modified weekday schedule", these schedules generally do not include trips designed to coincide with school-related traffic. Some peak hour trip times may also vary. For a list of alternate schedules and the affected routes, please click here.
What is a Regional Rail flag stop?
If a Regional Rail station is identified as a "flag stop" this means trains will only stop at a passenger’s request. If you are already on-board the train, then you must tell the conductor you want to get off at that station. Customers wishing to board at a flag stop station must stand on the platform in a position visible to the engineer. Flag stop stations are indicated on public timetables with an "F".
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Connecting Service
What other Transit Systems does SEPTA connect with?
For travel to New Jersey, SEPTA connects with New Jersey Transit, which also serves New York City, and PATCO. Amtrak is accessible from 30th Street Station for train service north and south of Philadelphia. In Doylestown, SEPTA connects with Doylestown DART and in Delaware it connects with DART First State. In Bucks County, SEPTA’s R2, R3, and R7 trains connect to RUSH bus shuttle service.
I travel on both SEPTA & NJ Transit. Can I use the same pass?
SEPTA and New Jersey Transit have separate fare instruments and policies. However, riders using both SEPTA and the NJ Transit can save money by purchasing a monthly interagency pass. Prices vary depending upon the stations you are traveling between. These monthly passes can only be purchased through SEPTA’s Pass Buy Mail program. Call 215-580-6500 for more information and an application. For additional NJ Transit information, call 1-800-772-2222 or 973-762-5100 or visit www.njtransit.com.
I travel on both PATCO & SEPTA. Can I use the same pass?
PATCO and SEPTA have separate fare instruments and policies. However, riders can save money with a SEPTA Ticket. The SEPTA ticket can be purchased for $2.10 at the red machines inside the fare gates at PATCO stations and may be used for one round trip ride on any of the following SEPTA services: Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line, Broad Street Ridge-Spur, Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 34 & 36, Bus Routes 2, 9, 12, 21, 23, 27, 32, 33, 38, 42, 44, 47, 47m, 48, 61, 121 & C. The ticket consists of two time-stamped coupons — one for each trip. The first coupon must be used within 60 minutes of purchase, while the second is good for up to 24 hours. These restrictions do not apply on weekends or major holidays. For additional PATCO information, call 215-922-4600 or visit the PATCO website.
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Fares
What does it cost to ride SEPTA?
SEPTA’s base cash fare for buses, subways and trolleys is $2.00. Cash fares on Regional Rail Lines vary from $3-$9 one-way depending upon zone, the hours of travel, and whether the ticket is purchased in Advance (A) or On Board (OB) a Regional Rail train. ADA Paratransit and Shared Ride fares are $4.00. Discounted fare instruments — such as tokens, TransPasses, TrailPasses and the One-Day Convenience Pass — offer customers an easy and cost savings alternative to paying cash. For more detailed information, visit the Fares section.
What does "Peak" and "Off-Peak" mean?
SEPTA Regional Rail requires a Peak ticket during the morning weekday hours of 6:00 a.m and 9:30 a.m. on all trains inbound to Center City Philadelphia and during the afternoon weekday hours of 4:00 p.m and 6:30 p.m. on all trains outbound from Center City Philadelphia. The shaded areas found in any published paper or PDF Regional Rail schedule indicate Peak service. Any other time during the weekday, the weekend, and all major holidays Regional Rail will honor an Off-Peak ticket.
What is a Transfer and when would I need one?
Transfers are necessary for any SEPTA bus, trolley, or subway trip when you need to travel on more than one route in order to reach their final destination. Transfers cost $0.75 and must be purchased at the beginning of your trip when you board the first vehicle. Fares Update
What is the difference between a TransPass and a TrailPass?
A TransPass can be used for travel on all City Transit routes, the first zone of Suburban Transit routes, and on Regional Rail between Center City and Zone 1 stations during off-peak hours. , a Zone 1 TrailPass is required during AM and PM peak travel between Center City and Zone 1 stations. Zone 1 Regional Rail stations are 49th Street, Allegheny, Angora, Chelten Avenue, East Falls, Fern Rock, Germantown, Olney, Queen Lane, Wayne Junction, Wister, and Wynnefield Avenue.
A TrailPass is most frequently used on Regional Rail and is valid for travel to stations in the Zone indicated on the pass. TrailPasses can also be used on buses, trolley, and subway routes, though riders will need to pay an additional fare if they travel outside the Zone indicated on the pass. Paratransit riders can use a Zone 2 TrailPass or higher to pay their fare. All SEPTA passes are good for unrestricted travel anywhere on weekends and holidays.
What is a One-Day Convenience Pass?
The One-Day Convenience Pass is a fare instrument valid for eight rides on any bus, trolley, or subway route in one calendar day. The One-Day Convenience Pass is not valid for travel on Regional Rail. The cost is $6.00.
I'm a disabled rider. Am I entitled to a discount?
SEPTA offers a discount for disabled riders with some restrictions. Weekdays, between the hours of 7-8 a.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m., riders must pay the regular fare on all routes. For the remainder of the weekday, on weekends and major holidays riders are entitled to pay a discounted fare with valid identification. For more information, see fares for Riders with Disabilities.
I’m a senior citizen. Can I ride for free?
Seniors can ride for free on SEPTA bus, subway and trolley service at all times with valid identification. For $1.00, Seniors can ride Regional Rail for trips within the state of Pennsylvania. Higher Senior fares apply for trips to Trenton, NJ (R7); West Trenton, NJ (R3); and all stations in the state of Delaware (R2). Seniors with a valid PACE or Access Card ride free at all times. Visit the Senior Fares section for more details.
How do I apply for a PA Senior Citizen Transit Identification Card?
To receive a PA Senior Citizen Identification Card, you must apply in person on or after your 65th birthday at a SEPTA Customer Service Office, legislative office, or various state agencies. Visit Senior Fares for details.
Does SEPTA offer any kind of discounts or groups rates?
Family Fares are available on Regional Rail for weekends, holidays, and weekday off-peak hours. It includes round trip travel for 2-5 people - one must be at least age 18 or older. Group discount are available on Regional Rail for 50 or more adults (ages 18 or over) traveling together during off-peak hours. Please see Family and Group Fares for additional information
Does SEPTA offer a discount for college students?
SEPTA offers colleges and universities the opportunity to offer their students a discounted semester-based transit pass through SEPTA’s University Pass program. Participating institutions can select from a variety of fare instruments and zones that will coordinate with the institution’s academic calendar.
Do children ride for free on SEPTA?
When riding a SEPTA bus, subway, or trolley; up to two children age 11 and under ride for $1.00 and up to two children 42 inches and under ride for free. To receive this discount, all children must be accompanied by a fare paying adult.
Children ride at a discounted fare on Regional Rail. Depending if a ticket is purchased in Advance (A) or On-Board (OB) a Regional Rail train, children age 5-11 ride at 50% of the peak hour fare for the zone they are traveling to or from. Up to two children age 4 and under may travel for free, with additional children costing 50% of the peak hour fare for the zone they are traveling to or from.
For more detailed information, visit Children Fares.
Where can I buy SEPTA tokens, passes, or tickets?
SEPTA operates Sales Offices in many stations and terminal facilities. Token machines are available at major subway stops. For your convenience, SEPTA fare instruments are also available at authorized local businesses such as pharmacies, grocery stores, and check-cashing facilities. For a complete list of these businesses, organized by geographic region, visit Sales Locations.
May I purchase my pass on-line?
SEPTA tokens, 10-Trip and Round-Trip Regional Rail tickets, the One-Day Convenience Pass, monthly TransPass, and monthly TrailPass can be purchased online through shop.SEPTA.org.
May I get my Pass through my employer at a discount?
SEPTA offers four programs for corporations that want to provide Transit Benefits for their employees. The Federal Tax Code (132F) allows for employees to receive over $100 per month as a tax-free employee benefit allowing employees to save up to 35% in taxes. Employers save about 7% in payroll taxes and their employees get to work stress-free and with more change in their pockets. Visit http://www.thecommuterschoice.com/ for more information on these programs.
Where can I buy school tokens?
School tokens can only be purchased by schools for distribution for their students. Students attending Kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible for school tokens for travel between their home and school. Discounts vary between school districts. For more information, contact your school administration.
I purchased a SEPTA Monthly Pass and am no longer using it, is it possible for me to receive a refund?
To receive a refund for a monthly pass, you will need to return the unused pass by mail. Refunds for monthly passes are prorated and will be subjected to a $1.00 handling fee. Pass refund requests postmarked prior to the 1st day of the month will receive a full refund while requests postmarked between the 1st and 10th days will receive a 50% refund. From the 11th-20th days you will receive a 25% refund – requests postmarked after the 20th day will not receive a refund. Please click here for additional information including a mailing address.
If my trip is late, can I get a refund?
SEPTA’s Service Guarantee program is available for Regional Rail Lines, Broad Street Subway, Market-Frankford Line, Route 100 Norristown High Speed Line, and Routes 101 & 102. Visit the Service Guarantee section for information on how to obtain a form.
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General Riding Information
Where do I call if I've lost a personal item while riding SEPTA?
To locate a personal item left on a bus, subway, or trolley, call Customer Service at 215-580-7800. If you lose an item while traveling on Regional Rail, call 215-580-5740 or stop by the Passenger Services Office on the Suburban Station concourse (located opposite the ticket windows) from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
May I bring my bike aboard a SEPTA bus?
All SEPTA bus routes — with the exception of Trackless Trolley Routes currently operated with substitute buses (59, 66, and 75) — are bicycle accessible. Buses are equipped with front-mounted bicycle racks that can accommodate two bikes. If space permits, a customer may load their bike into the rack. Bikes are not allowed inside a SEPTA bus at any time. Bicycles are NOT permitted on any bus substituting for rail service. You may read more SEPTA Bike and Ride information here.
Does SEPTA offer parking permits for their lots?
SEPTA offers monthly parking permits at 37 Regional Rail stations that guarantees a parking space on a daily basis. Permits cost $20 and may be purchased through the mail or at station ticket offices. Permits go on sale the 20th of each month for use the following month. To purchase a parking permit by return mail call 215-580-6576. (This must be done before the first of the month.) Please click here for a list of stations offering permits.
May I park my car overnight in one of SEPTA’s lots?
Cars may be parked overnight at most SEPTA Regional Rail lots. For further information, please read the section on Overnight Parking. Overnight parking is not permitted at the following locations: Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Downingtown, Doylestown, Elkins Park, Haverford, Ivy Ridge, Merion, Overbrook, Queen Lane, Sharon Hill, Swarthmore, Villanova R5 station, and the Villanova Route 100 lot. Cars parked overnight at these locations are eligible for towing at owner’s expense.
May I bring my pet aboard SEPTA?
Dogs, cats or other animals are not allowed on any SEPTA vehicle except as follows:
- Trained service animals of all kinds, including service animals assisting an individual with a major life disability and law enforcement animals, will be permitted on vehicles at any time provided they are leashed and under the owner’s control
- Small animals that are carried in a covered, secured container, that can be stored on the owner’s lap, without danger or disturbance to other customers, will be permitted on vehicles
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Safety
What should I do if I see an unattended/suspicious package when riding the system?
Alert a SEPTA employee immediately. Do not attempt to touch or move the package. Instead keep yourself and your fellow passengers away from the package until properly trained professionals have arrived. All Subway Stations have Emergency Call boxes, which will place you in immediate contact with our Police Command Center. You may also contact SEPTA via our emergency police number 215-580-8111.
What should I do to ensure that I remain safe while riding SEPTA?
NEVER run to catch a moving bus, trolley or train and never attempt to board a moving vehicle. Do not stand or lean in front of the path of an oncoming vehicle. Always stand behind the yellow safety line on platforms. Keep all of your personal belongings with you at all times and remain aware of your surroundings. Never confront a suspicious individual or touch a suspicious object on your own. Above all else, when escorting children, hold their hands at all times.
What should I do in the event of an emergency while riding SEPTA?
In the event of an emergency do not panic. Stay calm and listen to the instructions of SEPTA and rescue personnel. Never exit a Regional Rail or subway train unless instructed to by SEPTA or rescue personnel. Always be aware of your emergency exits when riding SEPTA and pay attention to the location of safety equipment on vehicles.
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Doing Business
Can I sell SEPTA fares at my place of business?
Yes. Retail business may sell fares through our Sales Program. Interested retailers must fill out the appropriate forms. There is no compensation for the sale of fare products.
What are the SEPTA ComPass and Corporate Programs? How will they benefit my employees?
The ComPass program allows employers to provide transit benefits for their employees. Under this program, employees may save up to $105 monthly on their transit expenditures. SEPTA provides the company with a 5% discount, matching the 5% already given to the employee. In addition, with ComPass, the company is also eligible to save 7% in payroll taxes. The Corporate program works in a similar manner although there is no discount through SEPTA and no employee discount. For more information please click here.
Where can I buy SEPTA merchandise?
The Transit Gift Store (located in the lobby of SEPTA’s Center City headquarters at 1234 Market St) offers a variety of SEPTA and general transit-related memorabilia. SEPTA pass holders receive 15% off all merchandise purchased in-store (excluding sale items and fare media). A valid Pass must be displayed at time of purchase. SEPTA fare instruments are available at the Sales Office located in the building lobby. For more information on The Transit Gift Store click here, or call 215-580-7168.
How can I order merchandise from SEPTA’s Transit Store?
SEPTA is making it even easier for customers and transit fans to purchase monthly passes, tokens, specialty passes and event tickets, maps, and selected items from The Transit Gift Store at shop.SEPTA.org. Items that are not available online may be ordered through via phone, fax or e-mail.
How can I find out about careers with SEPTA?
SEPTA offers a variety of career opportunities for people with diverse skills and qualifications, including bus operators, mechanics, conductors, engineers, and other support personnel. Current job openings are listed in Career Opportunities. People can also call the Employment Hotline at 215-580-7111 for up-to-date information on jobs at SEPTA.
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