Important Information

In the coming weeks and months, SEPTA plans to implement significant fare increases and extensive service reductions due to an unprecedented budget shortfall.

Service changes that eliminate, modify, or shorten many bus, metro, and widely traveled regional rail routes will be phased in as of August 24, 2025, with additional reductions and the introduction of a 9 PM curfew planned for January 2026. Simultaneously, a 21.5% fare increase is scheduled to go into effect on September 1, 2025. 

These changes—arriving as the fall semester begins—will directly affect the considerable number of Penn commuters who rely on SEPTA and may now need to adjust their daily travel routines. We encourage members of the Penn community who will be impacted by these measures to proactively explore other means of getting to campus, such as alternative local rail or bus routes, or coordinating carpools with colleagues. 

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. 

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.