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Read the news of the day in less than 10 minutes — not that we’re counting.
If you’re a token aficionado, take note: In about a month, the only places you’ll be able to buy the classic SEPTA coins are 16 designated Regional Rail stations.
The phase-out of metal currency in favor of the refillable Key card began in December, when SEPTA ended token sales at stations along the Market-Frankford and Broad Street subway lines. Now, the shift is being introduced at the authorities other transit modes.
Starting Friday, March 23, token sales will end at most Regional Rail stations, on a rolling basis.
First up will be those where not many tokens were sold, anyway — stops like Wynnewood, Wayne, Fort Washington and Media. Another dozen or so stations will be cut off a week later, on March 30 (Mt. Airy, Villanova, Malvern, Manayunk, more) and the last set (including Suburban, Jefferson, 30th Street and University City) ceases token sales on April 6.
The 16 stations that will keep selling them are spread across the rail system, from Wilmington to Fox Chase to Chestnut Hill. A full rundown of the token elimination schedule is available here.
Meanwhile, the four SEPTA bus depots that currently offer tokens will stop selling them on Monday, April 2. Also on the chopping block: magnetic strip TransPasses.
Instead, bus customers will be directed to use the Key cards, which are easy to use — just tap them on the fare kiosk next to the driver as you board. To help with the transition, SEPTA is hosting special Key parties at the various district centers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following dates:
- Allegheny District: Sunday, March 18; Monday, March 26; Friday, March 30
- Callowhill District: Saturday, March 17; Sunday, March 25; Monday April 2
- Germantown District: Friday, March 16; Saturday, March 24; Saturday, March 31
- Southern District: Monday, March 19 and Friday March 23
SEPTA Keys can be loaded with weekly or monthly passes, one-day convenience passes, or just with funds (in your “TravelWallet”) to be used for anytime trips.
Eventually, per SEPTA’s spokesperson, you’ll also be able to add money to the Key for use in other, non-transit related purchases, such as paying for parking at PPA kiosks.
The authority has not yet set an official date for when it will stop accepting tokens.
If you’re feeling extra nostalgic for the metal trinkets, some businesses are memorializing them in jewelry. Or may we suggest making your own token costume?