PHILADELPHIA (November 10, 2026) – SEPTA is launching Reach, a new program to assist members of the vulnerable population who take refuge on the system.
Under a one-year agreement with Citizens Acting Together Can Help, Inc., social outreach specialists are being deployed at SEPTA stations to assist individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental illness.
Operating under the SEPTA Transit Police Department, Reach teams are connecting vulnerable individuals to housing, healthcare, mental health services, recovery support and other community resources.
“By helping connect vulnerable individuals to services and support, SEPTA is working to build a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone who relies on our system,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “Through our ongoing collaborative work, SEPTA has formed critical partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and the community to address these challenges compassionately while maintaining SEPTA’s core responsibility to provide safe and reliable transportation.”
Riders can expect to see outreach specialists wearing purple vests with the SEPTA Reach name and logo. The teams are patrolling SEPTA stations and vehicles to engage vulnerable individuals and offer transportation to service providers. Those who decline assistance are asked to leave the system.
Reach is a division of SEPTA Transit Police, and the specialists are working closely with police officers.
“This program will be a critical component of our enforcement approach to address issues related to the vulnerable community and reduce quality-of-life complaints,” said SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson. “The outreach specialists will serve as a force multiplier and address hotspots based on data and reports received directly from our customers.”
Riders can report safety concerns and quality-of-life issues anonymously through the SEPTA app or by calling Transit Police at (215) 580-8111.
###