A lot happened in 2024! Here’s a look back at the top 24 in 2024!
1. Ticket Offices Closed
A large majority of Regional Rail riders use SEPTA Key cards loaded with either passes (TrailPass, TransPass+, FleX Pass) or Travel Wallet (pay as you go). And riders have the option of buying Quick Trip tickets from Conductors on board with cash, credit, and debit cards as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Because of these options in-person ticket sales has plummeted at many Regional Rail stations and as a result SEPTA closed fourteen (14) tickets offices with the lowest sales (fewer than 20 transactions per week) in February 2024 and another ten (10) in September 2024:
Registered SEPTA Key cardholders, SEPTA Key Senior Fare Card holders, SEPTA Key Reduced Fare Card holders, and CCT Card holders can access station waiting areas during designated times. These waiting areas offer seating, restrooms, and other amenities.
The ticket agents work for a third party – not SEPTA – and were offered reassignment to other positions.
2. Happy 60
February 18, 2024 was a significant day for public transportation in Southeastern Pennsylvania! On that day – sixty years ago – SEPTA held its first organizational meeting which formed the beginnings of the transit system we all ride (and love) today!
SEPTA was created by the Pennsylvania legislature on August 17, 1963 to coordinate government subsidies to various transit and railroad companies in southeastern Pennsylvania. It commenced on February 18, 1964.
Today SEPTA is the nation’s fifth largest transit system with a vast network of fixed route services including bus, subway, trolley, trackless trolley, and Regional Rail, as well as ADA paratransit and Shared Ride programs. SEPTA is also one of the region’s largest employers with a workforce of over 9,000 employees.
3. SEPTA Transit Police Department’s K9 Swen Received Body Armor Donation
The Transit Police K-9 unit currently has 13 K9 teams with various dog breeds that work tirelessly to detect explosives on our transit system. These brave dogs quickly respond to reports of unattended bags and packages to ensure the safety of commuters.
Swen is a Dutch Shepherd who risks his life every day to serve and protect our commuters as a bomb detection dog. Swen’s job puts him in danger which is why in February he received a bullet and stab protective vest from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. This fantastic non-profit organization has provided nearly 5,400 vests to K9s across the country since 2009 ensuring they are safe and protected while on duty. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors like the Upland Riders Motorcycle Group, K9 Swen now has the protection he deserves. Let’s celebrate Swen’s dedication and bravery and thank Vested Interest in K9s for their continuous effort to provide more K9s with the protection they need.
4. SEPTA Key’s NEW Multi-Rider Feature
Beginning Monday, February 26, 2024 customers could activate and use SEPTA Key’s NEW multi-rider feature.
The multi-rider feature allows up to five (5) riders on one SEPTA Key card. Multi-rider is available on all modes including bus, trolley, Broad Street Line, Market-Frankford Line, Norristown High Speed Line, and Regional Rail.
5. SEPTA Received $317 Million to Buy Up to 200 New Rail Cars
On Wednesday, February 21, 2024 The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced $631 million in grants to improve rail transit safety and reliability for passengers through the purchase of new American-made rail cars. This investment, a part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will improve transportation systems across the nation while creating good-paying jobs and boosting economic competitiveness.
SEPTA received approximately $317 million to buy up to 200 new rail cars to replace older rail cars that have been in service for nearly 25 years operating along the Market-Frankford Line – the most heavily used line in SEPTA’s system. All railcars purchased with federal funding – including through this program – must comply with the Buy America Act. At least 70% of the railcar must be made in the U.S. and final assembly must be done in the U.S.
On July 25, 2024 SEPTA awarded a contract to Hitachi Rail STS USA, Inc. for the purchase of modern railcars to replace the aging Market-Frankford Line [L] fleet. The new rail fleet will provide significant improvements to the customer experience with greater accessibility, capacity, and reliability.
Under the contract, SEPTA will receive 200 railcars, with the option to order up to 40 additional cars. The total contract amount for the base order is $724.3 million. Delivery of the new railcars is scheduled to begin in 2029 with full fleet delivery by the end of 2031.
SEPTA is utilizing lessons learned from the current fleet to make significant improvements with the new railcars. The new fleet will enhance the customer experience with designated, accessible spaces for riders with mobility devices, strollers, or bicycles.
Hitachi Rail’s North American headquarters is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The railcars will be assembled at the company’s new railcar factory in Hagerstown, Maryland, which utilizes the latest green and digital technology as part of its manufacturing operations. This investment creates highly-skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs throughout Philadelphia, the Commonwealth, and the Northeast.
6. SEPTA Board Selected Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr. to Serve as Board Chair & Chester County Commissioner Marian D. Moskowitz as Vice Chair
On Thursday, February 22, 2024 SEPTA Board members voted unanimously for Vice Chairman Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. to serve as the new Board Chair and for Chester County Commissioner Marian D. Moskowitz as Vice Chair.
This was a historic moment for the SEPTA Board as Chair Lawrence is now the first African American Board Chair and Commissioner Moskowitz the first female to serve as Vice Chair.
Lawrence, the former Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, joined the SEPTA Board in September 2011 and has served as the SEPTA Board Vice Chair since February 2021. He is also a former member of the SEPTA Citizens Advisory Committee.
Commissioner Moskowitz joined the SEPTA Board in February 2022 and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners. She also serves on the boards of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, West Chester University, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Chester County Economic Development Council, and Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association. Moskowitz recently served on Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s transition team.
7. Drexel Station at 30th Street
On Monday, April 9, 2024 SEPTA joined Drexel University and local, state, and federal officials for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the newly reconstructed and renamed Drexel Station at 30th Street.
The project was initiated to modernize station infrastructure, increase capacity and improve circulation between transportation modes, and support the world-class development underway in the district. It was funded in part through a $15 million U.S. Department of Transportation Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant and $34.2 million in Pennsylvania Department of Transportation funding, which was made possible by Pennsylvania Act 89.
Extensive renovations were completed as part of the station reconstruction project to better integrate the station into Drexel Square and the broader Schuylkill Yards district. Improvements include a new glass headhouse and canopy; upgraded elevators, escalators and stairs to improve accessibility; a modernized and expanded mezzanine with enhanced lighting and improvements to connections between transit services; and new flooring and tiling throughout.
Located at the intersection of 30th & Market Streets in West Philadelphia, the station is served by the Market-Frankford Line, five Trolley lines, the LUCY Loop, Bus Routes 9, 30, 31, 44, 78, 124, 125, and provides convenient connections to Regional Rail at the nearby William H. Gray III 30th Street Station for employees, students, and visitors traveling to and from Drexel University, University City, and Schuylkill Yards.
The ribbon cutting served as the official unveiling of Drexel Station at 30th Street along with accompanying signage and branding. Drexel Station at 30th Street is the first station to debut the SEPTA Metro Wayfinding initiative – with new colorful, easy to identify station signage.
8. SEPTA Retired Last Diesel Bus in Fleet
On April 25, 2024 SEPTA officially retired its last bus fully powered by diesel fuel reinforcing the Authority’s commitment to the environment and a sustainable public transportation system.
With the retirement of the diesel buses, the Authority transitioned to a fleet comprised entirely of state-of-the-art electric and hybrid models.
This significant milestone marked a decisive step towards a zero-emission future, setting a new standard for eco-friendly public transportation in southeastern Pennsylvania.
SEPTA’s fleet of 1,379 buses and trackless trolley buses are now either electric or hybrid electric and offer increased energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs compared to traditional diesel counterparts. The vehicles are equipped with advanced features such as regenerative braking and onboard energy storage systems.
9. SEPTA Received Top National Honor for Efforts to Keep System Safe & Secure
In June 2024 SEPTA and the Transit Police Department were recognized with the highest honor by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for efforts to improve the safety and security of customers and employees.
SEPTA received APTA’s Gold Award for Rail Security, which is presented to organizations with the best example of a safety, security, or emergency management program. SEPTA Police have made significant strides recently in reducing crime on the system, hiring and retaining officers, using innovative patrol methods, and utilizing technology to help prevent crime and apprehend suspects.
Award nominations are evaluated on four criteria: effectiveness, benefit level, innovation, and transferability. The top honor is the Gold Award, which is presented to organizations with the best example of a safety, security, or emergency management program.
SEPTA has made hiring and retaining new police officers a priority. Since last year, the department has added 45 new officers, bringing its total force to 227 officers. This has helped with efforts to increase visible police presence across the system, which has put more patrols in stations, as well as on trains, buses and trolleys. SEPTA is also partnering with the Philadelphia Police Department to increase overall police presence on the system.
In addition, SEPTA Transit Police have launched a new Virtual Patrol Unit to maximize its more than 30,000 surveillance cameras across the system. This seven-person unit is staffed by retired law enforcement professionals who monitor video feeds and dispatch officers where they are needed most.
10. SEPTA Announced Return of Historic PCC Trolleys to Route 15
On June 12, 2024 SEPTA announced the return of its iconic green and cream Presidents’ Conference Committee (PCC) Trolleys to Route 15, with service starting this Sunday, June 16. SEPTA officials celebrated this milestone with employees at West Philadelphia’s Woodland Shop, which is the Authority’s heavy-duty trolley repair facility.
Easily recognized by their retro design, the PCC Trolleys embody a rich history in Philadelphia – a staple for 75 years along Route 15, which serves Port Richmond to West Philadelphia via Girard Avenue. The St. Louis Car Co. originally built the PCC Trolleys in 1947, and they remained in service until 1992. In 2005, 18 rebuilt and ADA accessible PCCs returned to Route 15.
After 15 years of trekking through rain, snow, and road salt, the PCC Trolleys were due for another restoration. In January 2020, with major PennDOT construction planned for I-95 and I-76, SEPTA suspended trolley service on Route 15 and substituted it with bus service.
SEPTA’s Trolley Restoration Team was innovative in finding solutions to restore these 75-year-old vehicles. This included extensive research and review of original blueprints from the 1940s, so they could reverse engineer and fabricate parts that are no longer manufactured.
The PCC Trolleys will eventually be replaced by the new trolley fleet as part of Trolley Modernization – SEPTA’s program to transform the nation’s largest trolley network into an accessible, fast, and easy-to-use system. Since it could take as long as a decade for full implementation of the project, restoring the PCC Trolleys gives SEPTA the ability to run ADA accessible trolleys on Route 15 in the interim.
11. SEPTA Broke Ground on New Accessibility Project At Erie Station
On June 17, 2024 SEPTA gathered with federal, state, and local officials and other stakeholders at Erie Station to break ground on a new project that will make the Broad Street Line [B] station fully accessible and deliver modern amenities for customers.
During the event, United States Department of Transportation officials announced that the Erie Station ADA Project is the first station accessibility project in the nation to advance to construction with funding from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP).
Co-authored by U.S. Senator Bob Casey and enacted as part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) – also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – ASAP provides funding for the nation’s oldest rail transit systems to make stations accessible to people with disabilities.
When completed, the $38 million project will make Erie Station fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act. Work includes the installation of a new elevator from street level to the station mezzanine and new elevators from the mezzanine to the northbound and southbound platforms.
The Erie Station ADA Project is one of six SEPTA station accessibility projects that will be supported by ASAP funding.
Located two blocks from Temple University Hospital, Erie Station provides vital access to employment, healthcare and other services with easy connections to six SEPTA Bus Routes. SEPTA’s project at Erie Station will create a transit gateway for those living near and traveling to this vibrant North Philadelphia community. The project also complements the City of Philadelphia’s Broad, Girard & Erie Project that is making important traffic safety and public space investments in the heart of North Philadelphia.
The Erie Station ADA Project is scheduled to be completed in summer 2026.
12. SEPTA Increased Fines & Penalties for Quality-of-Life Offenses
Beginning July 1, 2024 SEPTA Transit Police began issuing Code Violation Notices (CVNs) for some of those low-level crimes, including alcohol consumption, public urination, smoking, littering, and other offenses.
Under this policy, Transit Police will issue a ticket to the offender and forward a copy of the ticket to the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Administrative Review (OAR). Fines will range from $25 to $150. Offenders will have the option to pay the fine or request a court date. OAR will track unpaid fines, and chronic offenders will be banned from entering SEPTA property.
The CVN policy adds to a number of recent changes aimed at enhancing safety and security on the system. SEPTA Transit Police continue to increase visible patrols across the system, with more officers strategically deployed at stations and on trains, trolleys, and buses. SEPTA’s officers in the field are also assisted by a new Virtual Patrol Unit, which utilizes SEPTA’s vast surveillance camera system to help dispatch officers to where they are needed most.
13. SEPTA Announced Additional Safety Initiatives in Conjunction With FTA Recommendations
On July 15, 2024 SEPTA announced that it will implement additional initiatives and a series of corrective action plans (CAPs) in response to a recent Safety Management Inspection (SMI) conducted by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The CAPs will help the Authority further the series of proactive efforts initiated late last summer aimed at enhancing safety and security; increasing staffing and training; and shoring up operational practices and procedures.
The FTA maintains federal oversight over SEPTA’s operations and recently conducted an inspection of the Authority’s safety protocols, practices and processes. FTA representatives were on site at SEPTA locations for inspections and employee interviews between September 2023 and January 2024.
The FTA published a Safety Management Inspection (SMI) report, which outlines findings and directives SEPTA will be implementing, primarily as it relates to reducing crime, increasing staffing and training, and strengthening operational practices and policies. The FTA also assessed PennDOT, which has primary oversight responsibility for transit rail operations in Pennsylvania.
SEPTA is committed to a transparent process surrounding the implementation of Corrective Action Plans to address the FTA’s directives.
14. Bryn Mawr College Joined SEPTA Key Advantage UPass
Bryn Mawr College became the second higher education institution to participate in the SEPTA Key Advantage UPass program. Beginning September 1, more than 1,500 Bryn Mawr College students were eligible to ride SEPTA – at no cost to them.
This revolutionary initiative allows institutions to provide a monthly All-Access Anywhere Pass to participants, who can load the pass onto a new or existing SEPTA Key card. The passes come at a discount of over 80% to partner institutions. Just like the Monthly Anywhere TrailPass, SEPTA Key Advantage passes can be used on all SEPTA modes of transportation.
Bryn Mawr College provides passes to all full-time, actively enrolled students free of charge, with the program running throughout the academic year (September through December and February through May). Bryn Mawr College students can use their Key cards 24/7 during the academic year, with a 240-ride limit per month (an average of 8 rides per day).
15. SEPTA Appointed New Cleaning & Safety Leadership Positions
On August 21, 2024 SEPTA announced the appointment of two newly-created positions that demonstrate the Authority’s commitment to making SEPTA safer, cleaner, and more secure.
Robert “Bob” Brown has been appointed as Deputy Chief Operating Officer – Cleaning. Reporting to Chief Operating Officer Scott Sauer, Brown is responsible for leading all custodial services functions for SEPTA stations, vehicles, and facilities to ensure a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for SEPTA customers and employees.
Sarah Powell has been appointed as Deputy Chief Transformation Officer – Safety Culture. Reporting to Senior Director of Budgets & Transformation Erik Johanson, Powell is tasked with driving organizational change at SEPTA and reinforcing a culture where all employees are relentless about safety.
Brown comes to SEPTA with over 30 years of progressive experience in facilities management and custodial services, including Director, Global Integrated Facilities Management Lead at Nestle and Director of Global Facilities, Operations & Intermediate Projects at Rolls Royce. Most recently, Brown served as the Principal and Chief Operating Officer for Atlas Integrated Facilities Management & Project Consultant Services.
Powell directed a center for public health preparedness at Temple University before leading the institution’s first Office of Emergency Management. She went on to lead employee wellbeing, health, and safety programs in the private sector before arriving at SEPTA.
16. SEPTA Proposed Fare Adjustments to Address $240 Million Annual Budget Deficit
On September 5, 2024 SEPTA announced proposed fare adjustments, averaging 7.5%, as the Authority faces a $240 million annual budget deficit with the exhaustion of federal COVID relief funds.
While the state budget includes a small additional distribution to SEPTA, it is less than one-fourth of what the Authority originally requested, and the need for a permanent solution grows more urgent by the day.
With still no prospect of a statewide solution to help fund the everyday operating expenses of public transportation systems, on November 12, 2024 SEPTA announced a new fare increase proposal that would see rates jump by more than 20% across all modes and methods of payment starting January 1, 2025. This historically high fare increase would be paired with major service cuts.
Combined, these two fare proposals would generate nearly $50 million in new revenue annually – although with ridership losses likely due to the combined effect of higher fares and declining service levels, that number could be lower.
SEPTA’s last fare increase was in 2017. Planned fare increases in 2020 were deferred due to the pandemic.
The SEPTA Board approved the 7.5% increase on Thursday, November 21.
On November 22, 2024 Governor Josh Shapiro announced stop-gap funding that will help SEPTA fill its operating budget deficit for this year, Fiscal Year 2025. This enabled SEPTA to postpone the major 21.5% fare increase that was proposed to start January 1, 2025.
The $153 million being flexed to SEPTA at the direction of Gov. Shapiro covers SEPTA’s projected operating budget gap through the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2025. However, SEPTA still faces an annual, structural budget deficit of at least $240 million without a permanent solution to Pennsylvania’s public transportation funding crisis.
17. SEPTA Reinstated Parking Fees
The Authority reinstated parking fees with a phased approach beginning Monday, September 23.
In June, the SEPTA Board awarded a $12.3 million contract to Flowbird America Inc. to develop a new, state-of-the-art parking system that will streamline fee collection and improve customer convenience. This includes the SEPTA Park app which is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. In addition to paying by license plate through the app, customers can use credit/debit cards and coins at kiosks, as well as a text-to-pay option.
18. SEPTA Board Voted to Expands Pilot Program to Combat Fare Evasion
Following a successful pilot at 69th Street Transit Center, SEPTA is expanding its program to combat fare evasion with full-length gates at nine additional stations.
On September 26, 2024 The SEPTA Board approved the purchase of 100 full-length fare gates from Conduent Transport Solutions, Inc. Under the $6.96 million contract, the new gates will be installed at Somerset, Huntingdon, Cecil B. Moore, 11th Street, 13th Street, Frankford Transit Center, Allegheny, 52nd Street, and City Hall stations.
The full-length gates are designed to deter fare evaders from jumping over or crawling under the turnstiles. SEPTA loses at least $30 million in revenue per year due to fare evasion.
Installation of the additional 100 full-length gates is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
19. Girard Station: Exit Upgrade Project
In April 2024 SEPTA in-house forces began renovating the eastbound exit stairwell at Girard Station on the Market-Frankford Line [L] to improve safety, security, and cleanliness at the exit.
The scope of this project included: relocating the fare line from platform level to street level and enclosing the stairs; removing existing roto-gates on platform; demolishing landing and bottom set of steps; forming and rebar; pouring new steps and turn down footing; installing exit structure; installing stainless steel panels and roofing; pouring new sidewalk; installing 8×8 glazed block and brick; installing roto gates; and installing new signs.
The new exit officially opened after last train on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.
20. Leslie Richards Stepped Down as SEPTA GM/CEO
On October 25, 2024 Leslie Richards announced that she will step down as General Manager/ CEO effective November 29, 2024. She held the position for five years. The Board announced that Chief Operating Officer Scott Sauer will serve as Interim General Manager until a permanent successor is chosen.
21. PHL and SEPTA Celebrated Completion of Airport Line Platform Upgrade
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) marked the completion of the two-year SEPTA Airport Line Platform Upgrade Project with a ribbon cutting on November 15, 2024.
The $15.5 million project is a major investment in the future of rail travel and will elevate the travel experience for PHL guests. Significant signage improvements were made following a comprehensive wayfinding plan developed by both SEPTA and the Department of Aviation’s Guest Experience team. Additionally the project included the installation of nearly 700 new LED light fixtures which will reduce lighting power by 73% on the platforms.
22. Scott Sauer Began Tenure as SEPTA’s Interim General Manager
This week, long-time SEPTA veteran Scott Sauer took on a new role as the Authority’s Interim General Manager. Sauer had most recently been the Chief Operating Officer for SEPTA.
SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. announced Sauer would serve as Interim General Manager while the Board considers a permanent successor to former General Manager Leslie S. Richards, who stepped down at the end of November.
23. Easier, Faster, Simpler: SEPTA Launched Updated Mobile App
Version 3.0 of SEPTA’s mobile app officially launched on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
In this modernized, accessible app, customers can plan their trips using a fully integrated trip planner, access real-time information on the go, manage their SEPTA Key Cards, and directly connect to SEPTA Transit Police and Customer Service without leaving the app. The new SEPTA app is available for iOS and Android.
24. SEPTA Board Awarded Contract for Lease of Five Vacant Regional Rail Stations
On December 19, 2024 SEPTA awarded a contract to Philly Office Retail for the long-term lease of five vacant Regional Rail stations on the Chestnut Hill East and Chestnut Hill West Lines.
Under this first-of-its kind agreement, Philly Office Retail will pay SEPTA $1 per year for up to 99 years to lease the following stations: Gravers, Mt. Airy, Carpenter, Tulpehocken, and Upsal. The developer will assume all costs associated with renovating the station buildings – saving SEPTA approximately $150,000 in annual maintenance costs, in addition to $4 million in one-time renovation costs. While plans for the stations are still being developed, they are expected to include retail and residential options.
All five stations are listed on either the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places or the National Register of Historic Places.
We look forward to 2025 and sharing highlights as we go!