SEPTA

Public Safety and Security Awareness

Efforts to prevent and respond to future terrorist attacks are being waged abroad as well as on the home front. Vast initiatives have been undertaken by the airlines, national rail carriers, and metropolitan transportation agencies to ensure that passengers are afforded maximum security and protection.

You may have noticed the increased presence of Transit Police Officers in your station or even on your train. Also present throughout the transit system, although obviously less visible, is a trained team of undercover, plainclothes SEPTA Police Officers who are working to ensure the security of our passengers.

SEPTA's Police Officers have been thoroughly trained in anti-terrorism awareness. Specially trained officers have instructed additional SEPTA personnel in an anti-terrorism program that includes recognition, response, and prevention techniques.

Our passengers can feel secure while riding SEPTA. New programs are being introduced to further enhance your security. There are, however, a number of things you can do to help us to protect you and your fellow riders.

Emergency Call Boxes
SEPTA has installed Emergency Call Boxes (ECB) in our subway stations. Use of an ECB will place you in immediate contact with SEPTA's Police Command Center. In an emergency police assistance can be dispatched to your station within moments.

Suspicious Packages
Any rider observing an unattended package on a bus, train, or in a station should alert a SEPTA representative immediately. Again, SEPTA staff have been trained to respond to such emergencies. Our passengers should never attempt to touch the suspicious package or move it to a safe location. You can help us, however, by keeping your fellow passengers away from the package until properly trained professionals have arrived on the scene.

Communications With Bus Operators and Train Operators
SEPTA vehicles are operated by skilled professionals. In the event of an emergency, our bus and train operators have direct radio access to our Control Center. Passengers should report any suspicious condition to the vehicle operator or conductor immediately. Our employees have been trained to handle a variety of emergencies. Similarly, SEPTA's Cashiers also have direct telephone access to the Control Center as well as to the Philadelphia Fire and Police Departments. Our Cashiers are vigilant and have been trained to recognize and respond to unusual occurrences.

Emergency Evacuations
In the event of an unanticipated emergency, an evacuation from a station or SEPTA vehicle may be necessary. Our employees are fully prepared to safely evacuate trains, buses, and stations. Should such an emergency occur, please follow the instructions of the vehicle operator.

Helpful Suggestions

While riding SEPTA, be alert to your surroundings.
Report any unusual or suspicious occurrences immediately.
Don't neglect your own briefcases, packages, or cell phones; don't leave them behind.
Do not touch and remain clear of unidentified powders and liquids.
Report any unattended packages to SEPTA without delay.
Enter SEPTA's emergency police number in your cell phone directory 215-580-8111

Remember
Recent events have made it even more important that our passengers become our partners. By working together with our passengers we can continue to improve the security of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. With your assistance, we can keep SEPTA safe and secure. SEPTA's Police Department and SEPTA's Police Emergency Number are always on duty. The Police can be reached by cell phone, pay phone, and Emergency Call Boxes.