METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

PATCO, SEPTA working toward fare compatibility

After SEPTA switches to its long-awaited electronic Key "smart card" fare-payment system this year, PATCO cards will be compatible with the SEPTA system, as long as the user registers its PATCO card with the agency, which will permit SEPTA to identify the user and bill PATCO for the trip.

January 27, 2015
PATCO, SEPTA working toward fare compatibility

 

1 min to read


LINDENWOLD, N.J. — The Inquirer reported that PATCO commuter rail riders will soon be able to use their Freedom cards to pay fares on SEPTA subways and buses, however, SEPTA-issued smart cards won't work on PATCO.

After SEPTA switches to its long-awaited electronic Key "smart card" fare-payment system this year, PATCO cards will be compatible with the SEPTA system, as long as the user registers its PATCO card with the agency, which will permit SEPTA to identify the user and bill PATCO for the trip.

Ad Loading...

RELATED:SEPTA fare collection system gets 'smart,' retires tokens

PATCO's system is a proprietary, "closed" system that currently accepts only the PATCO-issued Freedom card; however, it could be modified to accept any contactless credit card, according to the report. For the full story, click here.

More Management

A Metro-North Railroad train
Managementby StaffApril 21, 2026

Feds Invest $2B to Improve Passenger Rail Travel

Under Secretary Duffy, the grant program’s revamped criteria will prioritize safety; the American family; and workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation, according to a press release.

Read More →
A group of people pose for a picture outside.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsApril 20, 2026

WeGo Journey Pass Enrollment Reached 10,000 in April

Nashville’s fare-free, income-based transit pilot hits a major milestone, expanding access and reshaping daily mobility for thousands of riders.

Read More →
A photo of a San Antonio VIA Metropolitan Transit zero-emission bus.
Busby Staff and News ReportsApril 20, 2026

Recovery and Risk Define the Transit Bus Market in 2025

A 5% rise in deliveries and a surge in zero-emission buses signaled progress in 2025, but high costs, long lead times, and shifting funding priorities continue to cloud the outlook.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
People Movement for April, 17, 2026
Managementby StaffApril 17, 2026

People Movement: New NTSB Vice Chair, HDR, and More

METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.

Read More →
A picture of a San Diego MTS railcar and bus at a transit station.
Managementby StaffApril 17, 2026

San Diego Transit Agencies Propose Fare Hike to Close Budget Gaps

The agencies, San Diego MTS and NCTD - San Diego Railroad, which share a fare system (PRONTO), proposed the changes to help address their respective financial sustainability strategies.

Read More →
A light green and blue MST public transit bus parked on grass.
Managementby Elora HaynesApril 17, 2026

Inside Monterey-Salinas Transit’s New Approach to Ridership Recovery

See how the agency is aligning service with shifting travel patterns, delivering ridership gains while advancing equity across its system.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A headshot of Inez Evans Benson
Busby Alex RomanApril 15, 2026

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience

The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.

Read More →
NJ TRANSIT's new Multilevel III commuter railcar manufactured by Alstom
Technologyby StaffApril 14, 2026

Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar

The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.

Read More →
New Cincinnati Metro bus stop sign with large route numbers and clear layout at a city intersection, part of a systemwide signage upgrade initiative.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 13, 2026

Cincinnati Metro Begins Countywide Bus Stop Sign Upgrade

Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A BART train on the tracks.
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March

BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).

Read More →