Philadelphia Transit Police Honored for Protecting Riders

SEPTA honors Transit Police and partner agencies protecting 800,000 daily riders

2026-01-10, Moovit News Team

SEPTA Honors Transit Police on Appreciation Day

SEPTA's taking time to recognize the law enforcement officers who keep riders safe across its five-county transit network. The agency marked National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Thursday, honoring SEPTA Transit Police and partner agencies who work to protect the system's 800,000 daily riders. Charles Lawson, Chief of Transit Police, said officers are dedicated to ensuring safety for everyone using SEPTA.
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Multi-Agency Partnership Protects Transit System

SEPTA Transit Police work alongside officers from Philadelphia Police Department, PATCO Police, and Amtrak Police to secure the regional transit network. The collaborative approach reflects the interconnected nature of southeastern Pennsylvania's public transportation, which serves 3.8 million people across Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Lawson told the agency he's grateful for partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Officials didn't provide specific numbers of officers from each agency working on the system.

Recognition Highlights Daily Safety Efforts

The January 9 observance recognizes law enforcement officers' year-round work protecting transit riders and employees throughout the SEPTA system. Officers patrol stations, trains, buses, and trolleys across the network's extensive service area. Lawson said officers work every day alongside partner agencies to protect riders and employees. Specific details about current safety initiatives or programs weren't included in the announcement.
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Annual Observance Marks National Recognition

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day occurs annually on January 9, providing transit agencies nationwide an opportunity to recognize officers' contributions. SEPTA published its recognition announcement Thursday, joining other transit systems in honoring law enforcement professionals. The observance highlights the specialized role transit police play in public transportation safety.

Officers Ensure Safety for Daily Commuters

Law enforcement officers' presence helps ensure safe travel for the hundreds of thousands of riders who depend on SEPTA daily for work, school, medical appointments, and other destinations. The multi-agency collaboration provides security coverage across the extensive regional transit network. Riders can access real-time safety information and service updates through Moovit's transit app.