SEPTA is bolstering efforts to promote safe and health travel during the pandemic with the launch of Mask Force Philly, a regional initiative with other major transit agencies designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
To get the effort started, SEPTA Mask Force Philly ambassadors are out on the system today giving out masks, and reminding customers that a face covering is required on the system. Most SEPTA riders are on board with the mask requirement – compliance is consistently over 90 percent – and this effort aims to keep everyone vigilant moving forward.
“Public transportation is on the frontline of this pandemic – and has proven to be a lifeline to essential jobs and services,” said SEPTA General Manager Leslie S. Richards. “The Mask Force initiative will help us as we continue to engage our customers, and remind everyone that we are all in this together.”
Mask Force Philly is being launched by SEPTA in conjunction with other major regional transit agencies, including Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the MTA in New York. It’s all in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and encourage mask compliance.
Customers will see Mask Force Philly ambassadors outfitted with branded apparel and accessories, including masks, sanitizer, and cards with safety tips and other key information. Teams will be deployed in pairs to SEPTA stations, loops, terminals and major bus and transfer points.
SEPTA team members currently working from home will also be able to help by volunteering for SEPTA Mask Force Philly Home Guard. These SEPTA employees will also be provided with apparel, masks and materials to wear and carry when they are out and about. In addition, SEPTA Mask Force Philly Customer Corps will offer opportunities for customer-advocacy groups to promote the importance of wearing masks in public and on transit. Volunteers will be provided SEPTA Mask Force Philly materials and will be recognized on social media for their contributions.
More information on SEPTA service and COVID-19 can be found at https://www.septa.org/covid-19/.