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10/7/2022
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority this week released a comprehensive plan to address the safety and security of the system's vulnerable population.
That population includes individuals experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues, SEPTA officials said in a press release. The population has grown in recent years, which prompted the launch of the Safety, Cleaning, Ownership, Partnership and Engagement (SCOPE) program last year.
Called "Leading the Way: SEPTA's Response to Safety and Security," the plan lays out a strategy to confront the problems SEPTA is facing. It also features guidance for what others — riders, employees, policymakers and local business owners — can do to help, SEPTA officials said.
In its first year, the SCOPE program has mobilized partnerships with government entities, nonprofit organizations, businesses and academic groups that work to address these challenges. SEPTA has also upgraded its security measures, increased the frequency of system cleaning and expanded the number of social service outreach workers on the system from seven to more than 50.
“Our investment in SCOPE is critical to ensuring SEPTA can provide safe, secure and reliable service that supports our city and region through the current recovery and for the long-term," said SEPTA General Manager and CEO Leslie Richards.
SCOPE outreach personnel work with the SEPTA Transit Police Department, which has increased patrols on trains and at stations in recent months.
SEPTA will release regular impact reports that provide information on SCOPE progress, agency officials said.