The City of Philadelphia has introduced a pilot program allowing seniors to use the PHLCityID as valid proof of age to access SEPTA’s Senior Fare Program, which offers free transit benefits to residents aged 65 and older.

This initiative, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), aims to simplify the process for seniors to access public transportation, thereby enhancing their mobility and independence.

Background on PHLCityID

The PHLCityID is a municipal identification card introduced by the City of Philadelphia to promote a more inclusive community. It serves as an official photo identification for residents, facilitating access to various city services and programs. By accepting the PHLCityID as valid proof of age, the city aims to remove barriers and meet the needs of more Philadelphia residents, particularly seniors.

SEPTA’s Senior Fare Program

SEPTA’s Senior Fare Program allows seniors aged 65 and older to travel free on all SEPTA transit routes, including buses, trolleys, trackless trolleys, the Market-Frankford Line, the Broad Street Line, and the Norristown High Speed Line. For Regional Rail services, seniors can ride for free as long as both departure and arrival stations are within Pennsylvania; travel to or from stations in New Jersey or Delaware costs 50% of the weekday fare with a valid Senior Fare Card.

Pilot Program Details

The pilot program allows seniors to use their PHLCityID as proof of age when enrolling in SEPTA’s Senior Fare Program and the Senior Shared Ride Program. This initiative is designed to make it easier for seniors to access public transportation and enhance mobility. The program aligns with the mission of the Mayor’s Commission on Aging (MCOA) to improve accessibility and mobility, thereby supporting the independence of Philadelphia’s senior population.

Impact on Seniors

By accepting the PHLCityID as valid proof of age, the city is removing barriers and meeting the needs of more Philadelphia residents. This initiative is expected to have a significant impact on seniors, particularly those who may have faced challenges in obtaining traditional forms of identification. The program aims to promote a more welcoming Philadelphia and has the potential to improve the quality of life for many seniors by providing them with greater independence and access to essential services.

Zero Fare Program

In addition to the pilot program for seniors, the City of Philadelphia has also launched the Zero Fare program, a two-year pilot initiative providing free SEPTA transit to residents living near or below the poverty level. The program aims to increase economic mobility, improve quality of life, and help all residents and their neighborhoods thrive and grow. Similar programs in other cities have shown a range of benefits, including better access to social services and medical support.

Positive Outcomes

The Zero Fare program has reported positive impacts after completing its first year and is now moving into its second year. The program has distributed transit passes to over 24,000 Philadelphia residents, with approximately 64% of those participants currently riding SEPTA. Participants have shared that the benefit has been a significant cost savings and has improved access to job opportunities, medical appointments, and childcare options.

Future Plans

The City of Philadelphia plans to distribute an additional 20,000 Zero Fare Key cards to eligible program participants in the second year of the program. The city will continue to evaluate the program’s outcomes and hopes to apply its findings to determine options for expanding the program beyond its initial two years.

Philadelphia’s initiatives to enhance public transportation access for seniors and low-income residents demonstrate a commitment to improving quality of life and promoting inclusivity. By accepting the PHLCityID as valid proof of age for seniors and implementing the Zero Fare program, the city aims to remove barriers to mobility and support the independence of its residents. These programs have already shown positive results and have the potential to serve as models for other cities seeking to improve public transportation access for vulnerable populations.