The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and ELERTS Corp. announced the public release of “SEPTA Transit Watch,” a mobile app that empowers riders to discreetly report security or safety issues to SEPTA Transit Police in less than 20 seconds.
The app’s features include incident reporting, with photo/video, a description of what is being observed, and the GPS location of the problem. Riders may choose to send reports anonymously and a rider’s smartphone flash is automatically turned off when taking a photo. The app also enables two-way communication: SEPTA Police dispatchers may ask questions or provide instructions to the rider. BOLO alerts (“Be On the Look Out”) messages may be sent to riders, regarding a person of interest being sought, such as a missing person or a criminal suspect.
SEPTA Transit Watch is not just for customers with smartphones. Those with old-style flip phones can use “Text A Tip,” which allows them to reach SEPTA Transit Police with a simple text message to (215) 234-1911. SEPTA Transit Watch also furthers the its commitment to accessibility. The app provides a new way for the deaf and hard of hearing community to communicate with SEPTA Police. Additionally, the app includes visually-impaired functionality.
“We count on our customers to help be the eyes and ears of the system, and the SEPTA Transit Watch app now gives them a valuable tool to communicate directly with our police officers. This effort also enhances our overall “Make the Safe Choice” System Safety campaign by making it easier for riders to share tips that could end up saving a life,” said SEPTA General Manager Jeffrey D. Knueppel.
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