SEPTA Announces New Measures to Enhance Security

April 7, 2008

PHILADELPHIA , April 7, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SEPTA today announced new security measures it is implementing to enhance safety for passengers who use its mass transit system.

The efforts include increased patrols by the SEPTA Transit Police Department, a review by SEPTA's Board of Directors to permanently increase the size of its police force and the advanced installation of its "Smart Stations" project to further safeguard SEPTA stations and facilities.

Beginning today, approximately 30 SEPTA Transit Police Officers will voluntarily work longer shifts, during the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. This action will be in effect throughout the remainder of the school year. The primary responsibility of SEPTA's 248 police officers is to patrol the underground concourses, tunnels and stations of the Regional Rail, Broad Street and Market-Frankford subways and trolley lines.

SEPTA Board member Christian DiCiccio today also announced his intention to work with other members of SEPTA's Board of Directors to explore the possibility of recruiting approximately 50 more transit police officers.

SEPTA will also examine ways to accelerate the installation of its Smart Stations project. Part of SEPTA's Smart Stations project addresses public security through the addition of surveillance cameras, improved emergency lighting, expanded alarm systems and emergency telephones. The Smart Stations project will include the Market-Frankford, Broad Street Subway and Subway/Surface Line stations.

Although a shocking tragedy and two other high profile incidents have occurred in the underground system in recent days, SEPTA Police have made immediate arrests in these incidents and remain confident that the SEPTA transportation system is safe.

SOURCE SEPTA

Copyright © 2008 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved.