Welcome Back to School with SEPTA’s Enhanced Safety Measures
As the new school year kicks off, SEPTA has ramped up its efforts to ensure the safety of students during their daily commutes. With increased police coverage and strategic safety measures in place, parents can rest assured that their children are in good hands while traveling to and from school.
SEPTA’s back-to-school plan includes extending officers’ shifts during peak morning and afternoon commute times, with over 100 SEPTA police officers on duty during dismissal hours. Chief Charles Lawson of SEPTA Transit Police emphasized the collaboration with the Philadelphia Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to enhance the visibility of uniformed officers throughout the transit system.
Transit police will focus on patrolling key areas where schools converge, and officers will be stationed on trains to maintain a safe and orderly environment for passengers. In addition, virtual patrol units will monitor SEPTA’s extensive network of over 30,000 surveillance cameras and dispatch officers promptly in case of any incidents.
To address fare evasion and streamline the commuting process, SEPTA encourages students to use their fare cards for every trip. This practice not only helps identify popular routes for targeted improvements but also facilitates a smoother travel experience for students.
Leslie S. Richards, SEPTA CEO and General Manager, reaffirmed the transit authority’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all riders, especially the tens of thousands of students who rely on SEPTA for their daily commute. The recent statistics show a significant decrease in serious crimes, highlighting the effectiveness of SEPTA’s safety initiatives.
These enhanced safety measures follow a disturbing incident earlier this year when gunmen opened fire at a SEPTA bus stop in Burholme, where Northeast High students were waiting. While the incident was alarming, it reinforced SEPTA’s dedication to providing a secure and dependable transportation system for the community.