SEPTA Launches SEPTA Key Advantage UPass with Swarthmore College
August 2, 2023
After a successful launch with employers across the region - SEPTA is expanding SEPTA Key Advantage to include colleges and universities.
Swarthmore College is 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 preloaded with a pass. Or participants can use their existing SEPTA Key card. 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 General Manager/CEO 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 2023 through December 2023 and February 2024 through May 2024).
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 SEPTA Key Advantage program to college employees.
“Our participation in SEPTA Key Advantage UPass 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 here
ABOUT SWARTHMORE COLLEGE
Swarthmore College is a highly selective college of liberal arts and engineering that has empowered students to contribute to a better world for more than 150 years. Swarthmore's longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability builds proudly on its Quaker legacy of social responsibility and intentional stewarding of resources. For more information about Swarthmore College - please visit swarthmore.edu.
