Philly gives away free SEPTA rides to 20,000 residents in need – NBC10 Philadelphia

Thousands of people in Philadelphia are about to get free rides on SEPTA.

The City of Philadelphia reported positive results after completing the first year of its Zero Fare Program.

According to city officials, Zero Fare is a two-year pilot program designed to determine the impact access to free public transportation has on lower-income residents.

Officials said that in the first year, program transit cards – Zero Fare Key cards – were distributed to over 24,000 Philadelphians living in poverty, providing unlimited, free use of all SEPTA lines and services, including bus, subway, streetcar, Regional rail, etc., made SEPTA possible.

About 90 percent of participants were randomly selected using city administrative data. No one can ask to join the program.

“In the first year of the pilot program, we have seen that the quality of life of many residents has improved by taking advantage of the benefits,” said Nicola Mammes, director of Zero Fare, in a press release. “Participants told us that free use of public transportation has resulted in significant cost savings and increased access to medical appointments, childcare and employment opportunities. Thanks to grants the city received from the William Penn Foundation, we will be able to provide more accurate impact data following a formal assessment.”

City officials plan to continue the program through June 30, 2025. As Zero Fare enters its second year, the city plans to distribute 20,000 additional Zero Fare Key cards to eligible program participants.

19,000 residents who signed up for the program — based on a lottery — will receive their key cards in the mail, while the other 1,000 will be distributed through the program’s nonprofit community partners.

City officials say program materials have also been translated into at least 20 different languages.

“SEPTA is proud to support the continued development of this program through its partnership with the City of Philadelphia,” said Leslie S. Richards, SEPTA CEO and general manager. “This impactful initiative has reduced income barriers and made essential travel easier for thousands of residents. As the Zero Fare Pilot enters its second year, we look forward to further evaluating its benefits, which will support permanent expansion. We also encourage neighboring counties to consider similar initiatives for equitable access to public transportation.”