PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia’s PHLCityID is now accepted by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) as valid proof of age for seniors to enroll in the Senior Shared Ride Program and the Senior Fare Program, a free transit benefit for residents 65 years and older funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in partnership with SEPTA, has announced this new pilot program, hoping to make it easier for seniors in Philadelphia to access public transportation and enhance mobility.
“By accepting the PHLCityID as a valid proof of age, we are removing barriers and meeting the needs of more Philadelphia residents,” said Anjanette Velazco, Program Director, Municipal ID. “The card was created to help promote a more welcoming Philadelphia, and it has done just that.”
The decision to establish this pilot program was made with older adults in mind. It aligns with the mission of the Mayor’s Commission on Aging (MCOA) to improve accessibility and mobility, thereby supporting the independence of Philadelphia’s senior population, which is one of the most vulnerable communities. Programs like MCOA’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) assist low-income older adults in re-entering the workforce and enhancing their employability. This free transit pilot will help make that process a bit easier.
“This is a great opportunity for seniors to get out and explore all the city has to offer, especially since the ID can also be used to access different institutions across the city,” said Sharlene Waller, Executive Director, Mayor’s Commission on Aging. “As a population who often experiences isolation, this pilot allows more older adults to unlock a new level of independence.”
“SEPTA is pleased to help expand access to transportation,” said Cassandra West, Assistant Chief Operating Officer, Access (formerly CCT), Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. “That is critical for our growing population of older adults to actively participate in all the region has to offer.”
The City of Philadelphia also partnered with PennDOT and SEPTA to support participants of the Zero Fare pilot program, who are turning 65 years old or have already reached that age. These individuals now qualify to enroll in SEPTA’s Senior Fare Program and all eligible senior participants enrolled in Zero Fare should have received information from the City on how to apply for a SEPTA Senior Fare card.
“Safe, clean, and reliable public transit is essential to Pennsylvanians’ daily lives and our economic growth, and the Shapiro Administration is committed to making it easier to access these critical services,” said Mike Carroll, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. “This is one more way to support seniors staying active and connected to their communities. The department is pleased to partner on this pilot to help the region’s seniors.”
This pilot will continue until further notice. The PHL City ID card requires documentation to include the individual’s Date of Birth, ensuring age verification for program eligibility.