Jawnt, the Philadelphia-based tech startup, has launched a new transit payment method called the Jawnt Pass, writes Ryan Mulligan for PHL Inno.

The Jawnt Pass is a commuter benefits debit card that allows users to access pre-tax dollars for transit or parking purchases across public transportation agencies nationwide.

The Visa card is backed by banking partner Pacific West Bank and can be used anywhere that transit passes can be purchased by credit card. 

With the launch, Jawnt is looking to be a bridge between employers looking for ways to bring their workers back to the office and transit providers looking to regain ridership.

Commuter benefits programs help employers set up their workers to receive discounts on transit spending under local legislation. 

Since its inception, Jawnt has built up an employer benefits program membership of about 100,000, primarily in Philadelphia, with goals of scaling nationally. 

Ultimately, the goal is to get more people to ride public transit.

“We really want to be good partners and good stewards of transit and want to work hand in hand with the transit agencies as they’re trying to regain ridership,” said Jawnt co-founder Will Sanderson.

Read more about the Jawnt Pass and Jawnt’s goals to be a connector between transit providers and employers, at PHL Inno.

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