SEPTA enhances safety measures ahead of new school year

Ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 school year, SEPTA is enhancing safety measures in an effort to continue “its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of students who rely on public transportation,” the authority said in a press release.

“Tens of thousands of students depend on SEPTA for their daily commute to and from school, and we are fully committed to ensuring their safety,” said Leslie S. Richards, SEPTA CEO and General Manager. “Safety is our top priority, and we are leveraging every available resource to provide a safe experience for all riders.”

A new comprehensive safety plan will focus on four key strategies to improve safety across SEPTA. The first is an increase in officer presence, extending overlapping shifts to provide extra coverage during inbound and dismissal periods in hopes of increasing safety and quality of experience, with more than 100 police officers on hand during school dismissal.

A second key strategy concerns targeted patrols. Transit police will intensify patrols in areas where multiple schools convert. Transit Police will also be assigned to trains to maintain safety and ensure a smooth traveling experience. Police will also strategically escort buses to their largest terminals.

Additionally, SEPTA will utilize virtual patrol units to monitor activity in real-time and dispatch officers as quickly as possible to address any potential issues.

Finally, Transit Police will coordinate with both School Police and the Philadelphia Police Dept. to expand the Safe Corridors program. By utilizing SEPTA, PPD, and School Police, staffing corridors from schools to transit stations, and sharing information between the groups, Transit Police hopes to ensure timely notifications of student conflicts and issues in an effort to respond expeditiously.

“SEPTA Police are collaborating closely with the Philadelphia Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to increase the visibility of uniformed officers across our system,” said Charles Lawson, SEPTA Transit Police Chief. “Our strategy also includes the use of over 30,000 surveillance cameras across the system. These cameras are monitored by our virtual patrol unit, allowing us to extend our reach and respond quickly to areas without a physical police presence.”

According to SEPTA, serious crimes on the system decreased 37% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, including a 47% reduction in violent crimes.

SEPTA also reminds those who rely on public transportation of their Transit Watch App, which provides an easy and discreet way for riders to report safety and security concerns directly to Transit Police in less than 20 seconds. “The app allows users to anonymously share incident details, including descriptions and locations, helping to maintain a safe environment for all. For more information, visit SEPTA.org.