How SEPTA's smart card should work for senior citizens

by Jason Laughlin

Published Dec. 31, 2015, 5:00 a.m. ET

After writing about SEPTA's plans to debut its smart card SEPTA Key next year, I received a number of emails about what the new card would mean for senior citizens and those who receive reduced fares. The short answer is all those benefits that exist now will remain intact and available through SEPTA Key.

Disabled riders who receive a discounted fare now should be able to get the same through a personalized Key card by the same route used to get a special transit card now. Instructions are on SEPTA’s web site, but they require either a doctor’s note confirming a medical condition or a medicare card either mailed to SEPTA or brought in person to the Customer Service Center at the agency’s headquarters at 1234 Market Street.