Faculty and Staff SEPTA Key Advantage UPass Pilot Program
Swarthmore’s participation in the Faculty and Staff SEPTA Key Advantage UPass Pilot Program enhances the living, learning, and working experience for our community members and strengthens our commitment to sustainability by facilitating the use of public transportation by faculty and staff members when they commute to campus.
As long as your are enrolled in the program, your Key Card can be used anywhere on SEPTA’s network of subways, buses, trolleys, and Regional Rail lines, and is valid at all times and on all services provided by SEPTA, with a 240-ride limit per month (8 rides per day).
Who is eligible for this pilot program?
If you are a full- or part-time, benefits-eligible Swarthmore College faculty or staff member, you are eligible for this program. Only eligible faculty and staff members can participate, and you will not be able to share, transfer, or sell Key Cards.
Can I use my Transit Flexible Spending Account (FSA) benefit and participate in this program?
Yes, you can both use your commuter transit FSA and participate in this program.
Why does the pilot program require me to enroll in the program for 6 months?
In order to establish if there is enough interest from our community to sustain this program long term, for the pilot program you will be asked to commit to 6 months of participation ($150 total cost), from January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025. At the end of the pilot program period, we will evaluate both if the program will move forward and if a monthly enrollment is feasible.
How do I enroll in this pilot program?
To enroll in the faculty and staff pilot program, please take the following steps:
- Complete the required enrollment form.
- After completing your form, you may pick up your Key Card at the OneCard office, located at Parrish Hall 131A, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Each eligible faculty and staff member will be provided with one free Key Card.
- Register your new Key Card with SEPTA.
- After registering your card, you can enroll in the Key Advantage UPass Program. The enrollment process uses a platform called Jawnt. Eligible faculty and staff members will also receive an email with enrollment instructions directly from Jawnt.
What if I already have a SEPTA Key Card?
If you already have a SEPTA Key Card, you can enroll your current Key Card into the Key Advantage UPass program. You will need to verify that your card does not have a negative balance as the Swarthmore pass cannot be loaded with a negative balance showing. Credit can be applied to a negative balance on the SEPTA Key site.
What happens if I lose my Key Card?
If you lose your Key Card, you should report it lost to SEPTA. You can purchase a replacement Key Card at the OneCard office for $5.
What happens after this pilot program ends on June 30, 2025?
After the 6 month faculty and staff pilot program ends on June 30, 2025, we will evaluate if and how the program will continue.
How can I make my way around the Philadelphia area on SEPTA?
The SEPTA Trip Planner helps you plan your trips around the city and surrounding areas — just put in your starting point and destination.
Swarthmore is a stop on SEPTA's regional rail system. Watch a quick, helpful video on how to ride the regional rail.
