SEPTA launches security reporting app

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and ELERTS Corp. yesterday rolled out the SEPTA Transit Watch app, which enables riders to report security or safety issues to agency police.

Passengers can use the app to anonymously send photos or videos with GPS locations to alert police of potential criminal behavior, SEPTA officials said in a press release.

Agency police may ask questions or provide instructions to riders over the app.

"We count on our customers to help be the eyes and ears of the system, and the SEPTA Transit Watch app now gives them a valuable tool to communicate directly with our police officers," said SEPTA General Manager Jeffrey Knueppel.

The app includes accessibility features for visually impaired, deaf and hard-of-hearing community members. Riders without smartphones can text tips to SEPTA police.

Other agencies that have launched similar security reporting apps include the Sacramento Regional Transit District and the Regional Transportation District of Denver.