About 1 in 7 Philadelphians are age 65 or older, and that percentage is expected to rise in the coming years. This demographic shift underscores the importance of diverse transit options tailored to the needs of older adults.
Older adults already make up a “significant” portion of the ridership for public transit, said Andrew Busch, SEPTA’s director of media relations.
“Looking at just April, our latest numbers available, show about 750,000 customer trips a day,” he said. “So, seniors would be 7 to 9% of that, so in the 60,000-plus range per day.”
So what transit resources exist in Philly for aging adults? What about transportation for those with mobility issues?
Billy Penn answers some of the most common questions in this explainer, part of WHYY’s Growing Golden series about aging in Philadelphia.
SEPTA Key Senior Fare Card
SEPTA offers a SEPTA Key Senior Fare Card for those 65 and older. With this card, senior riders can access free transit at all times on SEPTA buses, trolley lines and the Norristown High Speed line. They can also get free transit for all SEPTA Regional Rail lines that travel to and from stations in Pennsylvania, and 50% off fare for services that travel to or from New Jersey or Delaware.
Busch said SEPTA is unique in that there are no changes to the free fares during peak times or holidays – it is always free to ride buses, trolleys and the Norristown High Speed line for seniors.
Seniors can apply for or renew existing cards at participating State Senate and State House district offices. Immediate, in-person appointments are also available at the SEPTA Headquarters at 1234 Market Street. There are appointments between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays (with a break from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch). You can schedule a SEPTA appointment via their website, or select “6” after calling 215-580-7145.
For those renewing an old card or applying for a new card, you must bring proof of age – a driver’s license, ID card or birth certificate.
SEPTA CCT Connect program
Registered seniors can also use this “paratransit” system – or public transit that provides individualized rides without a fixed route or certain time table. The CCT program, also known as SEPTA Access, serves both seniors and individuals with disabilities.
The CCT’s Shared-Ride Program provides door-to-door ridesharing services for any Philadelphia resident who is 65 or older. The service offers rides within the city, and to anywhere within 3 miles of the city’s border, including Bucks, Montgomery and Delaware counties.
Rides must be scheduled in advance to ensure “timely” coordination between drivers and program participants. Customers pay a $4.25 one-way fare for each trip.
Busch explained there are some requirements to ensure seniors can use these services – including proper documentation from a physician.
“You’re going to have to go through, making sure that you’re approved for service,” he said. “[That involves] having documentation that’s required from your physician, and our staff will help you understand what you need for that and how to go about it, and then as soon as possible after that we’ll get you going on the service.”
Seniors who are interested in applying can download and print an English or Spanish version of the form on the SEPTA website, or request a form by calling 215-580-7145 and pressing “6”. After filling out an application, seniors must schedule an appointment at SEPTA headquarters (by calling 215-580-7145) and bring an acceptable form of ID (driver’s license, non-license ID card, birth certificate, etc.).
For seniors outside of this service area or who do not qualify for this service, they can contact their county’s coordinator. Information for these areas are attached below.
Bucks County Transport: 215-794-5554
Chester County Krapf Transport: 610-431-1500
Delaware County Community Transit: 610-490-3960
Montgomery County TransNet: 215-542-7433
Pennsylvania Department of Aging
Other parts of the state have their own Area Agencies on Aging – focusing on services for aging populations in local communities. These organizations provide transit resources depending on the area. You can find your local agency on aging’s resources here.
City of Philadelphia/SEPTA ADA resources
Older adults dependent on wheelchairs or other equipment can submit a “curb request” through the city — requesting that a ramp be placed in a specific location. The request form can be found here, and will require information such as the location where the curb ramp needs to be installed, the positioning of the curb ramp and the name of the street the ramp crosses.
Additionally, Busch said many of SEPTA’s vehicles and stations are ADA accessible.
“If you look at the bus fleet, all of our buses are ADA accessible because they have the ground low floor clearance, where anyone can board seamlessly from a curve or a sidewalk onto the bus,” he said. “And then there are lifts and ramp that we can help them with as well. But buses are fully accessible and a good portion of our rail stations are also ADA accessible.”
He said that seniors who are traveling somewhere on rail or bus lines should plan ahead and look at system maps to ensure the stops they’re getting off at are accessible.
Private services
In addition to city-run services, there are a variety of outside transportation services that will provide transportation at a cost. Service needs and options vary.
This story is a part of a series on resources for aging adult populations. If you have a question you’d like to be answered on this topic, or a suggestion for a part of the series, email us at tips@billypenn.com.
