SEPTA designates 'social distancing coaches' at rail stations

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) this month will designate employees at rail stations to promote mask-wearing compliance and social distancing on the rail system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One to two "social distancing coaches" will be assigned per station across the system through Aug. 27. Two days per week the staff members will be located at the 69th Street Transportation Center, Frankford Transportation Center, and 15th Street Station on the Market-Frankford Line.

Riders on the Market-Frankford Line complied with the mask requirement just 63 percent of the time, according to a recent SEPTA survey. 

Coaches will be staffed at other locations throughout the month, including at Broad Street Line stations, regional rail hubs and outlying suburban rail stations, SEPTA officials said in a press release.