Ride Safe on SEPTA

Enhanced cleaning efforts for vehicles and stations is the new norm. Vehicles are cleaned daily, 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.

Our fares work when you work - whether you head in every day, some days, or just tomorrow.

We’ve introduced Travel Wallet on all modes. We offer free transfers on Transit. We now accept credit cards onboard Regional Rail. And we’ve developed new fare options including a Three Day Convenience Pass and the One Day Anywhere and Neighborhood FleX Pass (which can be bundled at a discount) and  to make commuting more convenient and affordable.

We also accept mobile ticketing - SEPTA Key Tix - on transit (bus, subway, trolley, NHSL).

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

And did we mention FREE PARKING (until further notice) at all SEPTA-owned lots? 

Effective April 19, 2022, masks are not required on SEPTA vehicles and in stations and concourses. This applies to both customers and employees in these spaces. Per CDC and TSA guidance, SEPTA continues to recommend masking on the system.

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.

We partnered with Indiana-based Lumin-Air to outfit our bus fleet with MERV-13 equivalent filtration. MERV-13 filters are part of the recent improvements made at the Wells Fargo Center to improve indoor air quality. MERV-13 filters are recommended by experts because they remove small particles and at least 85% of the droplet nuclei people exhale that contain virus cells. These filters will help catch and remove contaminants from recirculated air inside the bus, improving the air quality for both riders and bus operators.

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, and new signage at stations. Real time information via the SEPTA App lets you know when your bus, train, or trolley is arriving. and new innovative trip planning tools like the Estimated Seat Availability Dashboard lets you know when routes are busiest.

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. SEPTA is working with community leaders and City officials to coordinate efforts.

And we make it easy to say something - if you see something. We encourage all riders to download the SEPTA Transit Watch App which has incident-reporting features that allow SEPTA riders to discreetly share safety & security tips with SEPTA Transit Police in less than 20 seconds. And it's FREE to download on both the App Store and Google Play. SEPTA Transit Watch is not just for customers with smartphones. Those with old-style flip phones can use “Text A Tip,” which allows them to reach SEPTA Transit Police with a simple text message to (215) 234-1911. And it furthers the Authority’s commitment to accessibility. The app provides a new way for the deaf and hard of hearing community to communicate with SEPTA Police. Additionally, the app includes visually-impaired functionality.

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How often is SEPTA running? Service on Transit (Bus, Trolley, Market-Frankford, Broad Street, and Norristown High Speed Line) is currently running at 96% of pre-COVID levels. Service on Regional Rail is currently running at 75% of pre-COVID levels.

For the latest schedules - click here.

When will service increase?  As ridership increases, we will adjust service accordingly. 

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 daily, 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? Effective April 19, 2022, masks are not required on SEPTA vehicles and in stations and concourses. This applies to both customers and employees in these spaces. Per CDC and TSA guidance, SEPTA continues to recommend masking on the system.

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. We also accept credit cards onboard Regional Rail. Click here for more info. We also accept mobile ticketing - SEPTA Key Tix - on transit (bus, subway, trolley, NHSL).

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 directly and discreetly share safety & security tips with SEPTA Transit Police.