train2 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 07, 2020 1:18 pm
OK would you explain what Tap out and Tap in is exactly?
Tap In-Tap Out is SEPTA's implementation of the Key Card on the RRD. The RRD fares are based on distance, unlike the CTD. So if you have a key card, you need to tap in at your origin station, and tap out at your destination station. If you do not do this, the maximum fare will be charged to your Key card.
train2 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 07, 2020 1:18 pm
I don't live in the city and don't commute often, usually a few times a year. I know people have been mentioning a key card, but I don't know what those look like. It is anything similar to the paper stock cards, it looked like a flimsy credit card, I got from a vending machine when I last used the MF line?
The Key Card is basically a green debit card purchased from a Key machine. It is not flimsy, but has to be replaced every 3 years. The first batch started being replaced back in November.
train2 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 07, 2020 1:18 pm
As for the key card is there any reason an infrequent user would ever need/want one? Any disadvantages to not using it, like higher fares? The only problem I run into is often, especially for an afternoon/evening trip, I find a lot of the ticket offices are not open.
In theory, there is no reason why an infrequent rider should need/want one. Advantages of using the key card are getting the lowest available fare, and registered cards get the advantage of balance protection and online fare purchase (like
10 ride Independence Passes!). Key cards will also eventually be able to pay for parking too.
Of course, cash is not going away, and the Key system will eventually* be able to accept Apple Pay/Google Pay and standard credit cards. But those will always be charged the sucker fare.
It is a poor system not designed for the regular 9-5 commuter. Infrequent riders should not be dissuaded by the barriers of confusion (and turnstiles) that SEPTA has baked into this system. Yet, here it is.
If you are planning to ride a few times a year, my advice is to just bite the bullet and get it anyway. It isn't going anywhere and SEPTA probably won't be letting go of its nickel and dime turnstile mentality any time soon.
(*I'll believe promised features when I see them. I wouldn't hold my breath.)