Ticket Collection Enhancement & Modernization

Customers will be able to use the convenience of mobile devices and contactless credit cards to ride PATCO

• Budget: $16.9 million
• Construction phase: 2023-2026
• Estimated completion: 2026

The Ticket Collection Enhancement & Modernization Project upgrades PATCO’s fare collection system, introducing additional contactless payment options such as mobile phones, smartwatches, and contactless credit/debit cards, all of which can be used directly at PATCO fare gates.

Key improvements include:

• Upgraded Fare Gate Readers: Supporting modern payment methods, including credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, for faster, seamless entry.
• Enhanced Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): Now capable of dispensing paper money as change, instead of dollar coins.
• New Limited-Use Smart Tickets: Replacing magnetic striped paper tickets with tickets contactless technology.
• Modernized Point-of-Sale Systems: Upgraded FREEDOM Card Service Center systems for improved customer service.

The existing fare collection system, introduced in 2007, is reaching the end of its useful life, with many components in station devices becoming outdated. These upgrades are aimed at aligning with current technology standards and meeting evolving customer expectations.

Riders can expect to start benefiting from these upgrades, including the convenience of tapping mobile payments to ride at various stations, starting in May 2026.

What is changing?
PATCO is upgrading its fare collection system to introduce more convenient, contactless payment options, including credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Riders will be able to use mobile phones, smartwatches, and contactless credit cards directly at fare gates. In addition to these new options, FREEDOM Cards will continue to be accepted, as well as cards for our reduced fare and transit benefit programs.

Will the FREEDOM Card be discontinued with the new system?
No. The FREEDOM Card will remain valid and accepted at all fare gates. However, as customers use up their FREEDOM Card balances, many are expected to transition to contactless payment methods due to the added convenience of tapping a mobile device or smartwatch at the fare gates.

How will the new system affect Reduced Fare Program (RFP) and transit benefits customers?
There will be no changes. Customers enrolled in these programs will continue to use their specially programmed FREEDOM Cards as usual.

Will one-way and roundtrip tickets still be available?
Yes, one-way and roundtrip tickets will continue to be offered at ticket vending machines. These tickets are designed for immediate use and will remain valid for three days after purchase. Instead of paper tickets with magnetic stripes, the new tickets will be made of thin plastic and can be tapped at fare gates, just like FREEDOM Cards and mobile devices.

What options will be available for cash customers?
Cash customers can continue to purchase tickets in stations at ticket vending machines (TVMs), which accept cash, credit and debit cards. With the system upgrade, TVMs will provide paper money as change, instead of the dollar coins dispensed by the current machines.

Will SEPTA Key be accepted?
SEPTA Key Cards with the debit MasterCard feature enabled can be used at PATCO fare gates, as they function like any other contactless debit card. However, funds from the SEPTA Key Travel Wallet cannot be used at PATCO, as the two systems operate independently.

Will the new contactless payment options work for PATCO parking lots?
Not at this time. PATCO’s paid parking lots are not part of the initial fare collection system upgrade. Customers will still need to use their FREEDOM Card to pay for parking.

The fare collection upgrade is being implemented in phases. The initial rollout focuses on upgrading fare gates and introducing Tap & Go contactless payments for train fares. Upgrades to the parking payment system are planned for a future phase following the fare gate and ticket vending machine (TVM) upgrades.

Can multiple riders use the same credit card or mobile device to enter the system?
No. Each rider will need their own payment method to travel. This can be a physical contactless credit/debit card or a card linked through a mobile wallet such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.

Multiple entry taps using the same card or mobile device will not work at fare gates.

Will I need to tap at both entry and exit gates?
Yes. Similar to the current process, riders will need to tap at both the entry and exit fare gates when using contactless payment methods.

Because PATCO Fares are zone-based, the system requires both an entry and exit tap to calculate and charge the appropriate fare for your trip.