SEPTA is the public transit authority for the Greater Philadelphia region, created to coordinate and develop a regional transportation system across Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties and Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania legislature established the authority on August 17, 1963; it began operations on February 18, 1964.5
Based in Philadelphia, SEPTA operates regional rail, buses, trolleys, subways, and a high-speed line. Its network serves the five-county region and connects with transit systems in Delaware and New Jersey.13 The authority’s stated mission is to provide safe, clean, and reliable public transportation that connects southeastern Pennsylvania.13
SEPTA’s current transformation plan, Accelerate, includes modernizing the trolley network across Philadelphia and Delaware County. The program calls for replacing the 40-year-old trolley fleet with 130 low-floor vehicles, with the aim of improving accessibility, reliability, and capacity for more than 60,000 daily riders.12 The plan also proposes more frequent rail service across a wider network, alongside replacement of aging Regional Rail vehicles.12
Scott A. Sauer is SEPTA’s general manager. Named to the permanent role in 2025, he oversees a $2.7 billion budget and a workforce of about 9,500, according to the authority’s leadership page.11 SEPTA is governed by a 15-member board.11