After several attacks in subway stations, SEPTA is hiring 60 unarmed security guards to keep employees and riders safe. A SEPTA spokesperson said the guards are being hired to help secure portions of the Market-Frankford Line, which has seen a majority of the problems.
After a series of brutal attacks, stricter security protocols are being considered for SEPTA workers and its riders. Some of the attacks have been captured on surveillance video.
Additionally, a new vulnerable population action team will also respond as needed throughout the system to address the challenges surrounding homelessness, drug addiction and mental illness.
As stated by a CBS Philly report, the guards are expected to be in place by the end of March or early April.
Local 234 Union President Willie Brown welcomed the security measures but says more needs to be done. The transit union president says SEPTA has not been transparent when it comes to riders and employees being attacked. “We’ve lost control of the subway, and it’s a very dangerous place to be right now.”
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“There are mob attacks down there of people walking,” he said. “Not just the members, we don’t leave the riding public but it’s a danger for everybody so we need more eyes and help for the
More video surveillance
SEPTA has yet to secure a security firm, but we’re told they are actively working on it. The union president is also urging SEPTA to invest in more video surveillance.
“We need to invest more money into that and to make that work you need to be more transparent when these things happen so that you’re not walking down in the subway thinking everything is OK and someone jumps on you,” Brown said.