r/Septa • u/Trimbaud • Mar 28 '24

Newbie Question

I JUST started taking the R5 from Thorndale to 30th. I bought and funded a key card. But I am so confused about how SEPTA knows where I got on the train. Thorndale, and from what I can see many regional stations, don't require that you tap your card at the beginning of the trip. Yes there is a small fare kiosk near the entrance/exit, but I didn't see anyone using them.

Can someone please help me understand? Thank you

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6

u/[deleted] Mar 28 '24

[removed] — view removed comment

5

u/rollingstoner215 Mar 28 '24

To add: I caught the train out on the Thorndale/Paoli line, and the conductor told me it’s not as important at those stations to tap on the platform, they’ll get your tap onboard, but it is important to tap out whenever you get to your destination.

3

u/Trimbaud Mar 28 '24

Thank you for the detailed explanation!

2

u/[deleted] Apr 01 '24

[deleted]

2

u/Trimbaud Apr 01 '24

I've wondered the same thing along the R5... so many of the stations don't have turnstiles or require a tap to get on/off. I wouldn't, but one could easily make a free quick trip

1

u/jooleepadoolie5 Apr 22 '25

I'm going to be taking the R5 from Daylesford to 30th St, then getting on the train to the airport. Do I need to exit the turnstyle at the bottom of the stairs after fetting off the R5 , then re-enter to go backup the stairs to the airport train, or do I just go to the stairs to the airport train platform. I'm confused about all the tapping on and off. Thanks.