Philadelphia’s SEPTA awarded a $211 million contract to Cubic Transportation Systems Inc. for the design, installation, and operation of its new fare payment system, “SEPTA Key 2.0.”

SEPTA Key 2.0 is a next-generation system that will substantially improve the customer experience, while positioning SEPTA as a forward-thinking innovation leader in the transit industry.

“SEPTA’s current fare payment system is outdated and overdue for an upgrade,” said SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. “It was designed more than a decade ago, and as this technology continues to rapidly evolve, SEPTA must make this critical investment now.”

Key’s to SEPTA’s 2.0

With SEPTA Key 2.0, the system will be more reliable and easier to use for customers by providing new functionality including virtual Key Cards; supporting equity-focused fare policies; and enhancing the website, mobile app, and call center.

“A consistent and modern fare payment system is fundamental to SEPTA’s success,” said SEPTA Interim GM Scott A. Sauer. “It is one of the pillars of our system, along with safety, reliability, and cleanliness. This state-of-good-repair project is necessary to achieve continued ridership growth.”

A customer outreach campaign was conducted to help guide the direction of SEPTA Key 2.0. SEPTA released its request for proposals in spring of 2023 and completed an extensive review of the bids it received.

Design and implementation of SEPTA Key 2.0 are expected to begin immediately, with an estimated completion date of 2029.