Penn to Increase Monthly Maximum Commuter Benefit

Septa Update Click here for info about SEPTA’s planned service cuts and fare hikes.

Penn is increasing the monthly Commuter Benefit available to employees, effective September 1, 2025. This action is being taken in recognition of the challenges presented by the changes SEPTA is making in response to its unprecedented budgetary crisis.

In late June, the SEPTA Board approved significant fare increases and extensive cuts to mass-transit services, which will eliminate, modify, and shorten many bus, metro, and regional rail routes.

Fare hikes are scheduled to be implemented on September 1, 2025.
Service cuts are scheduled to phase in starting August 24, 2025, with a second round planned for January 2026.

To help ease the transition and facilitate continued access to affordable commuting options, the University will enhance its Commuter Benefits program, which currently provides a discount of 50% on regional transit passes, and a discount of 5% on contributions to the Health Equity Commuter Card, with a combined maximum discount of up to $105 per month.

Beginning September 1, the monthly maximum benefit will increase from $105 per month to $130 per month. All other aspects of the program remain unchanged.

Changes and Cancelations

Commuter Benefits program participants do not need to take any action to receive the new maximum benefit, which will be automatically applied to eligible accounts for the September benefits cycle and recognized in the first paycheck after September 8. As always, transit elections will continue to auto-renew until canceled.

To adjust or cancel any part of your commuter election, please visit the appropriate portal by the deadline listed below.

Commuter Card via Health Equity: Submit changes by the 9th of the preceding month
Commuter Benefit monthly passes via Jawnt: Submit changes by the 19th of the preceding month

Example: To change your election effective September 1, adjust your account by Saturday, August 9 (via Health Equity) or Tuesday, August 19 (via Jawnt), depending on the program in which you participate.

Getting To, From & Around Penn

To further support the Penn community’s access to campus, we have created this “At a Glance: Getting To, From & Around Penn” guide, outlining the University’s robust transportation, parking, and commuter resources. These include:

Penn Transit’s extensive bus and shuttle system, free to ride with a PennCard.
A variety of flexible parking options designed to accommodate hybrid work schedules.
Resources for bicycle commuters, including a Bike Reimbursement Program and a 20% discount on an annual Indego365 bike-share membership.
Free access with PennCard to SEPTA’s LUCY buses and Drexel University shuttles.
The free Commuter Concierge service, which helps faculty and staff customize their commute based on their location, schedule, and preferences.

If you have questions, please contact CommuterServices@upenn.edu.