IMPORTANT UPDATE: 9/15/25
The SEPTA fare increases originally scheduled to begin on September 1 went into effect September 14.
Additionally, all service cuts will be restored by today (September 15) with new schedules.
Given the shifting effective dates for the fare increase, we’ve received questions about partial refunds. SEPTA has now confirmed that it will not provide refunds for September passes that were already purchased, including those issued through Penn’s Commuter Benefits program. The rationale SEPTA has offered is that the court’s temporary pause on fare increases did not apply to passes that were already purchased, and therefore, no refunds will be issued.
We recognize this outcome is not what many anticipated, especially after weeks of uncertainty. We will continue to monitor SEPTA announcements closely and update this page with the latest information.
SEPTA Online Resources
SEPTA has published extensive online resources to help the community navigate these changes.
Faculty/Staff Resources
The University offers a broad array of commuter resources designed to meet the varied transportation needs of our employees.
For an at-a-glance guide regarding Penn Parking Permit availability, please click here.
Penn's dedicated Commuter Benefits program offers full-time, benefits-eligible faculty, staff, and postdoctoral researchers and fellows pretax discounts on regional transit passes.
Click here for info about Penn Transit's extensive bus and shuttle services, free to ride with a valid PennCard. Penn Accessible Transit is available for individuals with mobility needs. Download the free PennTransit Mobile app, log in with your PennKey, and tap "Trip Planner" to find your best route in real time.
Flexible parking passes accommodate a variety of schedules, including everyday, 12 parks per month, and carpool permits, as well as a program that offers occasional parkers a discount on daily rates.
Resources for bicycle commuters include a Bike Reimbursement Program and a 20% discount on an annual Indego365 bike-share membership. Commuters can register their bike for free with the Division of Public Safety. DPS' "Share the Road" campaign and brochure stresses the importance of bicycle safety and awareness.
Penn community members have free access with their PennCard to LUCY (Loop Around University City) buses and Drexel University shuttles.
Penn’s Walking Escort Program, operated by the Division of Public Safety, offers 24/7 accompaniment to or from any campus location —including transit stops.
- Call 215-898-WALK (9255) or 511 from a campus phone.
- You can also use one of the many blue-light or building ePhones across campus.
The free Commuter Concierge service helps faculty and staff customize their commute based on their location, schedule, and preferences.