Philadelphia Reviews Student Transit Access Expansion

Philadelphia Council approves hearings on expanding SEPTA student fare program hours

SEPTA Student Fare Program Faces Expansion Review

Philadelphia students who rely on SEPTA for after-school activities and jobs could soon get more flexible transit access. City Council approved a resolution to hold hearings on expanding the student fare program, which currently limits free rides to weekdays between 5:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. when school's in session. Councilmember Rue Landau introduced the measure, noting students need transportation for jobs, extracurriculars, and sports beyond current program hours.

Current Program Serves 55,000 Students Daily

SEPTA's existing student fare program provides free transit to grades 7-12 students who live more than 1.5 miles from school or walk hazardous routes. The system transports more than 55,000 students daily under a $34 million contract the Board of Education approved in June 2025, reimbursed through state subsidies. But the program caps usage at eight taps per day and doesn't cover evenings, weekends, or school breaks—restrictions that advocates say limit students' ability to participate in activities or work part-time jobs.

Hearings to Examine Time and Access Restrictions

The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities will hold hearings on potential program changes, though officials haven't scheduled a date yet. Students, parents, and teachers will have the opportunity to share feedback during the sessions. Cities like New York and Washington D.C. offer more expansive student transit programs with no time restrictions, providing a model Philadelphia could consider. Any final changes would be determined by the school district in collaboration with SEPTA and the city, officials said.

Expansion Comes as SEPTA Fares Rise

The expansion discussion follows SEPTA's fare increase to $2.90 for one-way trips on buses, trolleys, and subways last fall. Officials haven't said what specific changes might be made to the student program or how much additional funding would be required. The hearings will examine whether to extend service hours, remove the eight-tap daily limit, or expand eligibility criteria beyond the current 1.5-mile distance requirement.

Students Could See Changes After Hearing Process

If the program expands, Philadelphia's 63,000 eligible students could gain access to transit for evening activities, weekend travel, and summer programs. Officials said the hearing process will help determine which changes are feasible within budget constraints. Riders can track SEPTA service updates and plan trips using Moovit, which provides real-time transit information for buses, trolleys, and subway lines throughout Philadelphia.