Philadelphia’s SEPTA is launching Reach, a new program to assist members of the vulnerable population who take refuge on the system.

Under a one-year agreement with Citizens Acting Together Can Help Inc., social outreach specialists are being deployed at SEPTA stations to assist individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental illness.

Operating under the SEPTA Transit Police Department, Reach teams are connecting vulnerable individuals to housing, healthcare, mental health services, recovery support, and other community resources.

“By helping connect vulnerable individuals to services and support, SEPTA is working to build a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone who relies on our system,” said SEPTA GM Scott A. Sauer. “Through our ongoing collaborative work, SEPTA has formed critical partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and the community to address these challenges compassionately while maintaining SEPTA’s core responsibility to provide safe and reliable transportation.”

Enhancing Safety

Riders can expect to see outreach specialists wearing purple vests with the SEPTA Reach name and logo.

The teams patrol SEPTA stations and vehicles to engage vulnerable individuals and connect them with service providers. Agency officials say those who decline assistance are asked to leave the system.

Reach is a division of SEPTA Transit Police, and the specialists are working closely with police officers.

“This program will be a critical component of our enforcement approach to address issues related to the vulnerable community and reduce quality-of-life complaints,” said SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson. “The outreach specialists will serve as a force multiplier and address hotspots based on data and reports received directly from our customers.”

Part of Broader Transit Safety Efforts

The launch comes as SEPTA continues efforts to improve system safety while rebuilding ridership.

In October, the agency reported average daily ridership exceeding 822,000 in September, its highest systemwide level since February 2020. SEPTA also reported a 10% reduction in serious crime in its November quarterly safety update.

Reach specialists will use information from customer reports, SEPTA's app, and other agency channels to identify locations requiring additional attention.

The program reflects an ongoing challenge for transit agencies: connecting individuals in crisis with appropriate social services while maintaining safe, accessible transportation for passengers and employees.