Citizen Advisory Committee

Applications are being accepted for Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. Applications for Philadelphia are currently closed.

To apply for membership, read the by-laws, review the eligibility and responsibility information, download the PDF version, fill it out and mail it to:

SEPTA Customer Service and Advocacy
1234 Market Streets, 10th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107

The by-laws and PDF application form are available in the committee’s document repository.

Eligibility

To be eligible for membership, a person must be a resident of the county from which appointment is made and a regular user of the SEPTA system (used daily for commuting to work, school, or other ongoing types of daily trips, or if not daily, a frequent rider).

Other eligibility requirements include:

• Commitment to collaborative engagement to improve public transit service in the Region. Selection is based upon other criteria, including (but not limited to) familiarity with public sector finance, business finance, transportation operations, regulatory governance, community volunteerism, and demonstrated commitment to serve the public interest.
• Individuals being considered for appointment by the City of Philadelphia should have demonstrated participation in community volunteer efforts and cannot have any outstanding taxes due.

Requirements

• A working knowledge of the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
• Active interest in public transportation.
• Commitment to not less than 10 hours per month devoted to the duties of the position, which include (at minimum), attendance at the monthly plenary meeting, attendance at a monthly committee meeting, attendance at county caucus meetings, the review of SEPTA materials (as assigned) and self-directed interaction with members of the constituent groups within the county of appointment
• Advocacy for SEPTA and making efforts to participate in local discussions related to how public transit is perceived and the quality of transit services in the local communities where it operates.

Duties and Responsibilities

Members will:

• Work with CAC leadership on special projects selected in consultation with the SEPTA General Manager.
• Read and understand the bylaws of the CAC.
• Members are encouraged to regularly (at least every two weeks) report to SEPTA via its customer service office (telephone, email, live Chat) phone number any observations, positive or negative, where managerial action is needed to improve operations or customer service.
• Consult with the CAC Chair before independently discussing with the media, or using various social media forums, on matters related to SEPTA planning or operations.
• Participate in one of two standing committees -Rail Road and Transit Subcommittees and at least one ad hoc committee, Nominations, Media/Public Relations or Transit Appreciation Day.
• Attend or host, in conjunction with SEPTA Government and Public Affairs Department, local community meetings to discuss issues related to transit and their community. Members are encouraged to identify neighborhood transit advocates and leaders interested in learning more about SEPTA service, operations and capital improvements.

Term Limits

• Membership is limited to three consecutive terms of two years per term.
• SEPTA requires a two-year period to elapse, from the expiration date of a third consecutive term before consideration may be given for reappointment.