PHILADELPHIA (July 29, 2026) – As SEPTA continues to build on its efforts to enhance safety and security on the system, SEPTA Transit Police reported a 21% reduction in serious crimes in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, including a 40% decrease in aggravated assaults.
According to the new quarterly data released today, there were crime reductions of double-digit percentage points on the [L] Market-Frankford Line, [B] Broad Street Line and buses.
SEPTA continues to focus and invest resources on recruiting and retaining Transit Police Officers. The Transit Police force now has 220 officers – six over the budgeted headcount.
The report comes just weeks after SEPTA supported a series of major events in Philadelphia, including the FIFA World Cup.
“Transit Police played a critical role in ensuring that more than 155,000 fans who took the B after the six World Cup matches had a safe and positive experience on our system,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “This was the largest security posture in Transit Police history with enhanced foot patrols, K9 units, and real-time monitoring by our Virtual Patrol to manage the massive crowds at NRG Station, and it was a huge success.”
Transit Police continue to prioritize fare evasion and smoking – two of the most often-cited complaints by customers. Fare evasion enforcement is up by nearly 19% this quarter compared to the second quarter of last year, and smoking citations are up by 27%.
SEPTA is also installing more full-height fare gates. The first phase of this initiative, covering 10 stations, was completed earlier this year. SEPTA’s FY27 Budget includes funding to bring full-height gates to an additional 13 stations.
Modified turnstiles are being piloted at Walnut-Locust Station with plastic extensions to the gate’s arms, side plexiglass panels, and redesigned internal mechanisms that lock sooner when someone attempts to force the gates backward.
“Fare payment is not just about revenue – it is about fairness and safety,” said SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson. “When people do not pay, everyone loses. By stepping up enforcement and making strategic investments, we are working hard to ensure that every rider does their part.”
Read the full Second Quarter 2026 Crime and Activity Report PDF.
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