Out of respect for the wishes of Regional Rail customers, SEPTA employees, the Authority's retail tenants and their customers and our performers, the following procedures were designed to allow for performances in SEPTA stations while controlling noise levels and avoiding unsafe physical obstructions. These procedures balance the interests of the Authority and its customers while recognizing certain protections afforded to "street" or "sidewalk" musicians and singers.

Performances of any kind are prohibited in "Controlled Areas" which are defined as public transit vehicles, platforms, paid areas and restricted areas (SEPTA Policy #A17).

There will be four areas designated within Suburban Station and three locations designated within Market East Station as the sole locations where individuals can play instruments or engage in singing performances. These designated locations are marked by signs. SEPTA reserves the right to relocate or eliminate a performance location.

Use of these areas will be by permit only.

The permits shall be solely for playing musical instruments or singing. Use of media devices such as films, slides, lights, cameras, videotape or audio recording equipment is prohibited.

Permit applications will be accepted on or after the 15th of each month for the following month.

Permits will be issued by SEPTA Customer Service and Advocacy, and can be obtained by telephoning (215) 580-7643 or picking up from the Customer Service Office in the lobby of 1234 Market St, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Questions regarding the permit process should be directed to SEPTA Customer Service and Advocacy, (215) 580-7643.

Permits will be issued in the order the applications are received by SEPTA Customer Service and Advocacy.

Permits will be issued for one calendar month, and will be valid every day between the hours of 6:00 am and 9:00 pm for the agreed upon three hour block of time.

Permits for a second consecutive three-hour block of time, when available, will be granted for a location different from the first location. Thirty minutes will be allowed for arrival at and setup at the second location. If more than thirty minutes passes, another performer with a valid permit may use the remaining block of time.

A permit will be for one individual and up to three additional persons for a single location. The permit holder must be present at all times during a group performance. The permit may not be transferred, assigned, or given to another person. All performers must be registered and photo IDs for each individual must be on file.

Applicants for permits will fill out an application that sets forth their name, address, telephone number, and instrument or instruments to be played. First-time applicants are required to show photo identification, which will be photocopied and kept by SEPTA Customer Service and Advocacy. Subsequent applications will not require new photo identification unless the applicant's appearance has substantially changed.

Performers must carry their permit and photo identification while using the permitted space, and must display these items upon request by SEPTA personnel.

Performers must keep their area free from trash and debris while performing, and ensure that all trash and debris is removed before they leave.

Each designated area will be considered to be no more than 12 square feet directly in front of the sign indicating the particular location.

Performers may not alter or duplicate their permit, and may not alter, mark, move or deface the signs designating the performance areas.

Electrical, electronic or battery amplification is not permitted. Percussion instruments may only be played by using the performer's hands. Drum sticks or similar objects are not permitted.

Sound levels must be such as to not disrupt transactions, announcements and activities being conducted in surrounding SEPTA or retail locations. Sound levels should not exceed 20 decibels above ambient noise, as measured within one foot of the source of the sound. In no instance shall sound levels reach or exceed 100 decibels as measured within one foot of the source of the sound.

No recordings, posters, clothing, or any other article of merchandise may be offered for sale and no donations for such items may be solicited.

Performers may not interfere with pedestrian traffic.

Bags, cases, luggage, parcels, cartons, instruments, or other items should not be left unattended. Any items that are left unattended will be deemed abandoned and will be removed or disposed of at SEPTA's sole discretion.

Permits will specify the individual, dates, times, and location by number, and will contain a notice of the conditions described above.

The person receiving the permit will sign an acknowledgement that spells out these conditions.

Failure to comply with these rules and conditions of the permit will result in the revocation of the permit and the violator will be instructed to leave the premises. Refusal to comply with such instructions may result in the violator being charged under applicable state or local law or ordinance. Violators will be denied additional permits for a period of six months from the violation, and a second violation will result in the individual being barred from any further permits.

The issuance by SEPTA of a permit does not limit, change, or restrict the force and effect of other regulations, rules, laws or ordinances, including but not limited to those pertaining to disorderly conduct, loitering, disturbing the peace, and obstructing a public passageway, and does not in any way limit or restrict the powers and jurisdiction of SEPTA transit police or other law enforcement officers.

The use of the performance areas may be suspended or cancelled, and additional restrictions on their use imposed, in the event of an emergency or other unusual condition, including but not limited to weather conditions, work stoppages, strikes, labor picketing or other job actions, floods, fires, transit or pedestrian accidents, police activity, maintenance or construction conditions, power failures, or other conditions in which the use of the performance areas, in SEPTA's judgment, would impede or interfere with the safe operation of SEPTA's facilities.

SEPTA Station Personnel or SEPTA Police may temporarily relocate a permitted location based on specific needs for space or other reasons.