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City managing director confirms plan to continue SEPTA Key Advantage for employees and seeks extension of 0 Fare pilot
Summary
Managing Director Adam Teal told council that Mayor Parker will announce continuation of the SEPTA Key Advantage program for city employees and that the administration is in talks with SEPTA to extend the 0 Fare pilot through FY26.
At the Committee of the Whole public hearing on the FY26 proposed budget, Managing Director Adam Teal announced the mayor would soon confirm an extension of two transit fares initiatives: continuing the SEPTA Key Advantage program for roughly 13,000 city employees and pursuing an extension of the SEPTA 0 Fare pilot through fiscal year 2026.
"About 13,000 city employees are presently enrolled in the Key Advantage Program," Teal said, adding the mayor "is in discussions with SEPTA to extend the SEPTA 0 Fare pilot through fiscal year 20 26."
Council members voiced support and asked for further details about how the programs would be implemented and funded. Council Member Nick O'Rourke described constituent feedback that 0 Fare “helps me afford groceries and bills” and urged the council to pursue legislation to make transit access funding more permanent.
Teal said the administration will provide more detail as negotiations with SEPTA proceed and indicated follow-up materials would be supplied to council. He also said continuing transit benefits aligns with the administration's goal to make the city more accessible and to increase economic opportunities for workers.
Why it matters: Extending free or discounted transit for employees and a citywide 0 Fare pilot would affect commuting costs and could alter SEPTA ridership patterns. Funding and implementation details were not finalized at the hearing.
What’s next: The administration said the mayor would make a public announcement and the managing director's office will provide follow-up information to council about funding and program design.
