On Wednesday, the city of Philadelphia gave an update on its Zero Fare pilot program, a city-funded transit access program that will provide transit access to more than 25,000 residents.
Launched in August, the two-year pilot program will be managed by the City’s Managing Director’s Office in partnership with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and other community-based partners. On Wednesday, Mayor Jim Kenney said the new benefit would help low-income residents access supports and services without worrying about how much it cost. The program is funded through a $62 million budget approved by City Council in March.
“The benefits of this program are wide-ranging with the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for many Philadelphia residents,” Kenney said. “We anticipate that Zero Fare pilot program participants will have better access to healthcare, social services, and employment opportunities. We also hope that they will be able to visit family easier and enjoy all the benefits that Philadelphia has to offer.”
Zero Fare recipients will be randomly selected and automatically enrolled in the benefit program, based on income and age requirements. The city said there are more than 25,000 residents who are eligible for the pilot program but are limited by funding. Random selection is the fairest way to distribute the benefit equitably, the city said, while still setting up a way to set up program evaluation.
“I am excited about the new Philadelphia Zero Fare Program, and it is the most expansive transit access program for riders with low incomes in the country,” said Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (Second District), Chair of City Council’s Transportation and Public Utilities Committee. “This new two-year pilot program will support free SEPTA transit for 25,000 residents with low incomes and that will help program participants throughout Philadelphia have better access to healthcare, social services, and employment opportunities.”