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.
Student Resources
Students have many ways to get to, from, and around Penn, with a variety of transit options you can ride for free.
The University’s safe, efficient transit system is free to ride with your PennCard.
- It's built around four weekday bus loops that stop at key campus buildings (one runs during the day, while three operate from 4 PM to midnight).
- An Evening Safety Shuttle provides ride-share services on weekday nights (7:30 PM-3 AM) and weekends (6 PM-3 AM). This year, based on student feedback, Penn Transit has added five new shuttle stops to help optimize service and reduce wait times. They're located at 3701 Market Street, 3440 Market Street, 34th & Chestnut (NW corner), Stellar-Chance Laboratory (422 Curie Blvd.), and 3600 Civic Center Blvd.
- And Penn Accessible Transit (PAT) offers free rides to students with mobility needs. To get started, submit an accessibility request with the Office of Disability Services.
To use Penn Transit to best effect, download the free PennTransit Mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, log in with your PennKey, and tap “Trip Planner” to find your most direct route in real time. You can also use the app to check bus schedules, track vehicles, and request an evening safety shuttle.
Due to limited availability, parking permits are available only to graduate students. Permit applications for the 2025-2026 academic year open August 5 in Campus Express. Click here for information.
Students who will be frequently venturing farther into Philly or the surrounding areas can take advantage of student discounts on passes from SEPTA or NJ Transit. Find details here.
SEPTA is not raising the price on its student pass for the fall semester.
Students who bring their own bikes will find covered and uncovered bike racks across campus. Remember to register your bike for free with the Division of Public Safety. DPS' "Share the Road" campaign and brochure also stresses the importance of bicycle safety and awareness.
No bike? No problem. Indego, Philly’s bike share program, has 250+ stations citywide—including 6 right here on campus
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.