SEPTA is planning to make riders’ phones an alternative to its SEPTA Key fare system by adding Apple Pay and Google Pay as fare payment options at both its turnstiles and kiosks in 2020, writes Michael Tanenbaum for the Philly Voice.

The transportation authority is adjusting its contract with Conduent, which manages the SEPTA Key fare system, to install Apple Pay and Google Pay-compatible hardware to fare boxes and turnstiles.

As part of this upgrade, all 4,226 SEPTA Key validators across all modes of transportation will be replaced. The enhanced system will allow for future secure use of student or university IDs as well as the switch to mag stripe Quick Trips with printed QR codes.

According to SEPTA’s updated contract with Conduent, the upgrades will cost $4,396,372.

Once the new functionality is implemented, riders will be able to use their phones directly at turnstiles and fare boxes for contactless mobile payments for single trips. Currently, riders can use the two mobile payment methods at station fare kiosks to purchase either a Key Card or Quick Trip tickets.

Read more about the incoming mobile payment options at the Philly Voice by clicking here.

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