SEPTA Answers the Call During I-95 Crisis

March 20, 2008

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTA played a big part in helping to keep the Greater Philadelphia region moving as thousands of commuters were temporarily displaced during the emergency closure of I-95 creating gridlock on local area roadways.

SEPTA’s solutions included enhancing its regional rail and subway/elevated service, dispatching employees to stations to assist the public and extending hours of operation at its Customer Service Department.

And for good measure, SEPTA even beat an automobile to the finish line during a local TV station’s commuter challenge.

With extra cars added to SEPTA’s R7 Trenton Line during the morning and evening rush hours, the automobile never really stood a chance as SEPTA passengers were able to negotiate a smooth unimpeded trip into Center City Philadelphia.

SEPTA parking facilities soon filled to near capacity on Monday and Tuesday as more than 700 motorists decided to leave their cars for the ease and comfort of SEPTA in order to make it to their appointments on time – a point later demonstrated by the local media.

During a “Commuter Challenge,” an area reporter asked a commuter who normally drives to work to try SEPTA while the reporter traveled the I-95 detour route in a car. The test was to determine who would arrive at a selected destination first. Taking the bus and train the commuter reached her destination without incident or delay. She says she now prefers to ride SEPTA rather than drive. (The reporter arrived later – after battling the traffic jams along the way.)

The SEPTA Customer Service Department also made certain riders concerns were answered during the two day closure as calls flooded the center.

“The SEPTA Customer Service Department received over 14,000 calls during the I-95 closure as hours were extended Tuesday (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and Wednesday (5 a.m. to 10 p.m.),” said SEPTA Director of Customer Service Rohan Hepkins. “The most prevalent questions being, what are my options if I choose not to drive and took SEPTA, did we add more trains, and how is our service affected?”

“We are very happy we could help commuters through this difficult time,” said SEPTA General Manager Joe Casey. “Some may have experienced riding SEPTA for the first time and we hope they realize that it not only saves time, money and aggravation, but also benefits our environment.”