One Fare. One Seat.

September 1, 2022

Public transportation is a wonderful thing to have. It connects opposite corners of a city. It connects urban areas to rural areas - and to all of the suburbs in between! It cuts down on congestion and the environmental impact of privately owned vehicles - meaning it improves air quality.

So what’s the catch? The catch - if you choose to view it that way - is the need to be in close proximity to strangers to get where you are going.

We spent the better - or not so better - part of the last two years trying to social distance. But with more people coming back to offices and back to school - enjoying a row to yourself is not always possible.  

We’d like to take this opportunity to remind the SEPTA community of how they can be considerate to their fellow riders. Here are a few of the ways to be kind, courteous, and considerate when you're sharing your ride: 

This should be a no-brainer. It's common sense. In order to make room on the bus, trolley, or train/subway car for new passengers - we need to let the old ones off first. It only takes a second - and it prevents a traffic jam if we let those exit before we enter. 

Some vehicles have specific seats for disabled riders and seniors. If you take one of these seats - please give it up if a passenger boards that requires priority seating. Also important to note - not all conditions requiring special care [or a seat] are visibly obvious - so please do not feel the need to police these seats yourself if you see someone occupying them that doesn't have what you might consider an obvious disability. Keep in mind that we never know what someone else is going through.

And feel free to be courteous - and considerate. If you are an able bodied individual [in a seat] and a passenger boards that looks like they might really appreciate not standing on the ride - maybe offer them your seat. We know of course you don't have to - but it's nice - and very appreciated by those that may have more trouble staying steady on their feet, have spent a long day in the hot sun, or have a longer ride than you. 

Still on the topic of seats. You have one human body - you get one seat! Your backpack or purse or groceries has no human body - therefore does not get a seat. Please use your lap. Or your back. Or the overhead rack. Allowing all seats to be occupied by humans also helps to reduce aisle and doorway congestion. 

Speaking of aisle and doorway congestion - don't block the doors. Please. It affects rule number one - let passengers off before you board. Those passengers need to be able to get to the door and pass through them. If a person is blocking the door - they can't do that. Also - it can prevent someone from exiting the vehicle at their correct stop. Which we promise - is incredibly frustrating. So please move down the aisle. Utilize the poles and hand rails on seats to stay safe. 

Last but not least - please keep in mind those around you. You might really want to eat those chicken wings - but the smell might be offensive to the person next to you. The same goes for painting your nails [smell aside - those fumes are too much in the enclosed space of a vehicle and make some lightheaded], and bodily odors - good and bad. Too much perfume or body spray - is too much. . 

While we hope some of these are no-brainers - we also hope you keep your fellow riders in mind. After all - all of our actions have consequences. And in the limited space of public transportation - the consequences of our actions affect everyone around us. By doing our individual part - by being kind, courteous, and considerate to those around us - we make everyone's ride - and day - better. 

Let us know if we missed anything in the comments below! 

And ICYMI - SEPTA customers can get a virtual look inside their bus while they are planning a trip with the Estimated Seat Availability Dashboard. SEPTA is committed to enhancing the interactive tools available for customers - and this is one of many tools to come!