PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — SEPTA is expanding a program that would give local employers the ability to buy transit passes at a reduced price to give to their employees as a benefit.
After a light launch of the SEPTA Key Advantage program, SEPTA is now inviting more employers to join.
Organizations have the ability to buy all-access transit passes for their employees who are geographically within SEPTA’s service region.
“Think about it the same way that employers provide health care or 401(k) retirement plans,” said Erik Johanson, director of operating budgets. “Employers will now be able to buy transit passes from SEPTA and offer them to employees.”
Instead of $200 for a monthly Anywhere TrailPass, employers would only be spending $160 per employee for a six-month plan. In turn, it gives employees access to SEPTA’s bus, subway, trolley and Regional Rail lines, up to 240 trips a month.
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The Anywhere TrailPass “gives you all-access to our entire system for a month,” Johnson explained. “What we’re essentially doing for eligible employees is loading six consecutive Anywhere TrailPasses each month automatically, once their card is registered.”
Employers can apply at jawntpass.com/keyadvantage.
The rollout is being conducted in tiers. On Sept. 1, companies that employ 500 or more people can apply. In January 2023, the program will be available to companies with 50 or more employees, and then open to all employers in May.
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As part of the city’s pandemic recovery efforts, Mayor Jim Kenney signed a bill last month that requires employers with 50 or more employees in the city to offer a commuter benefit program. SEPTA hopes this program can pair with the legislation, which goes into effect at the end of the year.
SEPTA has reported a decline in passengers since the start of the pandemic. With the initial soft launch of the commuter program, which included Drexel University, Penn Medicine and Philly Wawa stores, SEPTA said it saw an 18% increase in just the first month.