SEPTA sets up fund for frontline workers' families

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) earlier this week launched a fund to help the families of SEPTA employees who have died or suffered health issues as a result of COVID-19.

The SEPTA Disaster Relief Memorial Fund was started in large part due to feedback from employees who wanted a way to help the families of coworkers severely impacted by the pandemic, SEPTA officials said in a press release.

An independent committee of agency employees will advise on the distribution of funds held at the Philadelphia Foundation. The Delaware Valley Regional Economic Fund donated $10,000 to the fund.

SEPTA families affected by COVID-19 are eligible to apply for funding. Donations can be made by members of the public as well as employees.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) last week announced that all frontline employees will receive up to $2,000 in COVID-19 hazard payments. 

The hazard pay will be funded by anticipated cost savings resulting from the termination of the Transdev operations and maintenance contract and CARES Act funding, NORTA officials said in a press release.