Elavon to Enable Contactless Payments for SEPTA Commuters

ATLANTA (June 6, 2024) – Elavon, a wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Bank and one of the largest payments processors globally, is partnering with Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to offer contactless payment acceptance from any enabled card or mobile device across transit services. SEPTA is one of the ten largest transit systems in the United States.

“With an average daily ridership of more than one-half million, SEPTA needed a payments partner equipped to make payments as convenient, efficient and modern as possible,” said Pari Sawant, global chief product officer, Elavon. “Elavon’s Mass Transit Payments will deliver on those needs by making riders transactions frictionless and secure, ensuring everyone can focus on getting where they need to go.”

Elavon’s Mass Transit Payment solution eliminates the need for cumbersome terminal equipment and dedicated transit cards, which can significantly reduce the transit agency's transaction costs, streamlines boarding and improves overall rider experience. This can help to lower the cost of payments acceptance and management for transit agencies and brings an “any card, anywhere” approach.

For riders, this helps reduce the plethora of cards in their wallet and eliminates the need for paper tickets, while giving riders the convenience of tap-and-board payment without the need of a ticket. Contactless payments also simplify transaction tracking and management via online bank accounts or monthly credit card statements, which gives transit agencies greater visibility into their rider volume and its variability.

Visa Acceptance Platform serves as both the gateway and payment management platform for Mass Transit Payments.

“Contactless payments have helped shape the way consumers pay. Rather than standing in line to purchase or load a separate transit card, riders can save valuable time with this fast, easy, and secure way to pay,” said Bill Dobbins, Senior Vice President, Head of North America Acquiring & Enablement at Visa, a world leader in digital payments. “We’re excited that our partners at Elavon have leveraged Visa Acceptance Platform to enable contactless payments on SEPTA, enhancing the customer experience by empowering riders to tap their contactless cards or digital wallets – and pay for transit the same way they pay for other everyday essentials.”

This partnership expands Elavon’s Mass Transit services, as they currently provide contactless payment services to transit agencies globally. Notable transit areas served include Venice and Genoa, Italy, as well as Monterey, California and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.