Sauer takes over as SEPTA's interim GM

Scott Sauer this week started his role as the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) interim general manager. He succeeds Leslie Richards, who stepped down Nov. 29 to expand her role as a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design.

Sauer will serve as the agency's interim leader while the board seeks a permanent successor.

Prior to his appointment as interim GM, Sauer served as SEPTA's chief operating officer, a role in which he managed the $2.5 billion annual budget. He began his career with SEPTA in 1990 as a surface train operator, then progressed through the agency. His previous roles include subway operator, transportation manager and safety officer. He also served as assistant GM positions in system safety and operations. He was named COO in 2022.

Saure's leadership has guided the organization through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersecurity incidents, civil unrest and budgetary constraints, SEPTA officials said in a press release.

He serves on multiple industry boards and committees, including two terms with the Federal Transit Administration Transit Advisory Committee for Safety, where he served as chairman; the Transportation Research Board's committee on transit safety and security; the Northeast Corridor Safety and Security Committee; and Operation Lifesaver Inc.'s board.