The two recent incidents in the concourse area under Market Street in Center City have cast a shadow for some members of the public about whether it is safe to use public transit.  These senseless and tragic incidents are unrelated events that occurred in the public pedestrian areas adjacent to our stations. I want to assure you that our transit system is safe.

Across the board, from March of 2007 to March of 2008, reports of crimes taking place on SEPTA platforms, stations, and vehicles are down; and since 1981 when a dedicated Transit Police Force was created to patrol and protect, crime on the SEPTA system has been reduced by 90%.

I understand that statistics don’t mean anything when a crime occurs, so we make a significant investment in preparing our Officers, both uniformed and plain clothed, to face the challenge of protecting the system and our riders.

In both of the recent concourse incidents, members of the Transit Police Department were visible and on patrol at SEPTA transit stations.  Given their skills and quick actions, our Officers were instrumental in apprehending the perpetrators of these shocking crimes.  They are assisting the Philadelphia Police in their investigations and will be a part of future efforts to prosecute those individuals charged with these crimes.  In the case of the 13th Street confrontation, several of our Officers valiantly attempted to perform life saving measures while waiting for the emergency rescue squad.

The entire SEPTA family extends its condolences to the family of Sean Conroy and our Transit Police Department will continue to take every measure possible to keep our system and customers safe.