Ride Safe on SEPTA

Enhanced cleaning efforts for vehicles and stations is the new norm. Vehicles are cleaned twice each day, with special attention paid to high-touch surfaces such as handles and safety rails.

We use - and have always used EPA-approved disinfecting products specifically designated for COVID-19. SEPTA uses Lemon Skies and Avistat-D. Lemon Skies disinfectant is a heavy duty cleaner and limited disinfectant which is effective against gram negative bacteria when used on pre-cleaned, nonporous, hard environmental surfaces. Avistat-D is designed specifically as a general non-acid cleaner and disinfectant for use in hospitals, nursing homes, public restrooms, schools, transportation terminals, office buildings, manufacturing facilities, lodging establishments, retail businesses and athletic/recreational facilities where housekeeping is of prime importance in controlling the hazard of cross contamination. It is formulated to disinfect hard, non-porous, inanimate environmental surfaces: floors, walls, metal surfaces, stainless steel surfaces, glazed porcelain, glazed ceramic tile, plastic surfaces, bathrooms, shower stalls, bathtubs, and cabinets. Both products fall on EPA List N which classifies disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19).

To enhance the rider experience and to further create an environment of safety & cleanliness, we’re adding up to 200 new cleaners to provide the wo/manpower needed to step-up our cleaning efforts on vehicles, in stations, and on platforms.

It is important to note - no direct correlation has been found between use of public transportation and transmission of COVID-19.

Customer health and safety is further enhanced through the use of a system-wide contactless fare payment system – SEPTA Key.

We’ve introduced Travel Wallet on all modes. We offer free transfers on Transit. And we’ve developed new fare options including a Three Day Convenience Pass and Three Day Independence Pass Bundle to make commuting more convenient and affordable.

Free rides for children under 12 and seniors 65+ also reduces the need for contact on our system.

We follow CDC guidelines which still requires all persons to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Mask requirements for customers and employees remain in place until further notice.

SEPTA’s vehicles are very well ventilated – air fully changes on all vehicles every two-to-three minutes, due to a combination of efficient HVAC systems and doors opening frequently for customers to board and exit. This rate of air exchange far exceeds CDC recommendations for indoor public spaces.

SEPTA is also improving air filtration on buses and trolleys by leaving roof hatches open for better air flow in good weather.

It is important to note - no direct correlation has been found between use of public transportation and transmission of COVID-19.

SEPTA’s number one concern will always be YOUR safety.

Look for enhanced lighting, additional cameras, new signage, and security guards at stations.

SEPTA Transit Police are assigned to stations and vehicles throughout the service day and are working closely with social outreach specialists to connect those in need to substance use treatment, behavioral health services and other assistance. Security guards have also been added to augment the enhanced policing, and SEPTA is working with community leaders and City officials to coordinate efforts.

SEPTA is coordinating with our industry peers and experts to stay on the cutting edge of risk assessment, mitigation and communication strategies to keep riders safe and healthy.

We provide real time information via the SEPTA App.

We continue to develop innovative trip planning tools like the Estimated Seat Availability Dashboard.

Employer Toolkit

Link to poster

How often is SEPTA running? Service on Transit (Bus, Trolley, Market-Frankford, Broad Street, and Norristown High Speed Line) is currently running at 85% of pre-COVID levels. Service on Regional Rail is currently running at 53% of pre-COVID levels.

Right now, the Market-Frankford Line runs every 6 minutes and the Broad Street Line runs every 8 minutes or less from approximately 6:30AM to 6:30PM. Our 19 high-frequency routes continue to run every 15 minutes or less, from 6AM to 9PM, Monday through Friday. Regional Rail service currently offers 1-hour frequencies during peak periods on most lines with 30-minute frequencies on the Paoli/Thorndale and Airport Lines. Weekday off-peak and weekend service are on a 2-hour frequency.

When will service increase?  As ridership increases, we will adjust service accordingly. We expect to add more service on Regional Rail in late August/Early September. Transit schedules will change in the Fall when school returns.

How often is the air inside SEPTA’s vehicles refreshed? The air inside our vehicles is refreshed every 2-3 minutes thanks to a high efficiency ventilation system with fresh air intakes.

How often are SEPTA vehicles cleaned? Vehicles are cleaned twice each day, with special attention paid to high-touch surfaces such as handles and safety rails.

What kind of cleaning products does SEPTA use to disinfect? SEPTA uses Lemon Skies and Avistat-D. Both products are EPA approved and fall on EPA List N which classifies disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19). In fact - we were using these products prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lemon Skies disinfectant is a heavy duty cleaner and limited disinfectant which is effective against gram negative bacteria when used on pre-cleaned, nonporous, hard environmental surfaces.

Avistat-D is designed specifically as a general non-acid cleaner and disinfectant for use in hospitals, nursing homes, public restrooms, schools, transportation terminals, office buildings, manufacturing facilities, lodging establishments, retail businesses and athletic/recreational facilities where housekeeping is of prime importance in controlling the hazard of cross contamination. It is formulated to disinfect hard, non-porous, inanimate environmental surfaces: floors, walls, metal surfaces, stainless steel surfaces, glazed porcelain, glazed ceramic tile, plastic surfaces, bathrooms, shower stalls, bathtubs, and cabinets.

Do I have to wear a mask on SEPTA? Yes. All riders and SEPTA employees must wear a mask or face covering when riding and when waiting in stations until further notice.

Is there a contactless way to pay for my trip? Yes! SEPTA Key provides a contactless way to pay on all vehicles. You can purchase, load your card, and ride with zero contact. See the section above for more information on where to purchase and how to load your Key.

What do I do if I see illegal or inappropriate activity on a vehicle or in a station? Download the Transit Watch App. This app allows you to discreetly share safety & security tips with SEPTA Transit Police.