Serious Crime down 45% at SEPTA, the nation’s 5th Largest Transit System

The Transit Watch app by ELERTS has played a crucial role in the impressive 45% reduction in serious crime on SEPTA, during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This app enabled transit riders to discreetly report safety and security concerns to transit police, leading to 6,416 reports being submitted in Q1 2024. Riders used the app to report issues such as Drugs & Alcohol, Homeless & Vulnerable persons, Smoking, Theft of Service, Cleanliness, and other concerns.

In addition to the app’s impact, SEPTA increased patrols and the visibility of transit police officers, further enhancing safety across the system. This period also saw the administration of 150 Narcan treatments, saving the lives of individuals overdosing, often thanks to the timely reports from riders using the ELERTS app. SEPTA’s extensive network of 30,000 security cameras in stations and on buses and trains, along with strategic officer deployment, has been instrumental in these efforts, resulting in significant decreases in aggravated assaults and robberies.

Notably, over 30 transit systems use the ELERTS incident reporting platform to leverage Community-Based Situational Awareness. The impressive Q1 2024 report underscores SEPTA’s commitment to maintaining a safe transit environment.