Philadelphia’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) officially appointed Scott A. Sauer as GM, following a unanimous vote at the agency’s recent board meeting. 

Sauer, a 35-year agency veteran, has been serving as interim GM since November 2024 and now assumes the permanent role at a time of significant financial and operational challenges for the region’s transit system.

Leading Through Uncertainty

Sauer steps into the position as SEPTA faces a historic funding crisis. On June 26, the board is expected to vote on a proposed budget that includes drastic service cuts of up to 45%, significant fare hikes, workforce reductions, and a proposed 9 p.m. curfew for all rail services — measures aimed at addressing a $213 million structural deficit.

“Scott has dedicated nearly 35 years to SEPTA, gaining invaluable experience in every aspect of the organization,” said Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. “His steady leadership through this ongoing crisis has made clear he is the right person to guide SEPTA forward.”

Sauer began his transit career in 1990 as a surface train operator and rose through the ranks, holding key positions in transportation management, safety, and operations. His father, Robert Sauer, a second-generation transit professional, also served Philadelphia’s transit system for three decades.

In recent leadership roles, Sauer has overseen critical areas such as SEPTA’s Control Center, Vehicle Maintenance, System Safety, and Transit Police. He also managed large-scale infrastructure initiatives as COO, a position he held before becoming interim GM.