Philadelphia’s SEPTA Transit Police reported a 30% reduction in serious crimes in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, including a 42% decrease on the [L] Market-Frankford Line.

According to the new quarterly data, there were double-digit reductions in five of the eight serious crime categories, including aggravated assaults and robberies. Serious crime remains at its lowest level since at least 2015, supported by the largest uniformed Transit Police force in more than a decade.

“Since peaking during the pandemic, crime across the system has consistently declined,” said SEPTA GM Scott A. Sauer. “This progress is the result of a comprehensive approach that combines increased staffing, targeted enforcement, investments in modern technology, and improvements to station and vehicle infrastructure.”

Efforts Paying Off

Transit Police are continuing to prioritize fare evasion by expanding targeted enforcement details at stations.

At the same time, SEPTA is installing more full-height fare gates. The first phase of this initiative, covering 10 stations, was completed in early April. SEPTA’s proposed FY27 Budget includes funding to bring full-height gates to an additional 13 stations.

Thanks to these combined efforts, SEPTA officials said it has reduced fare evasion by 10% so far.

“We are building on that progress in 2026 and pursuing additional strategies to strengthen fare compliance, including modifications to legacy turnstiles,” said SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson. “We are also continuing to focus and invest resources on recruiting and retaining Transit Police Officers, with six experienced officers joining the force this month and another 16 cadets expected to graduate from the police academy in June.”