SEPTA is empowering riders to be a tap away from reporting safety and security threats directly to police.
The transit unveiled its SEPTA Transit Watch mobile app at a Wednesday news conference.
The app allows riders to discreetly report safety issues to transit police in 20 seconds or less, SEPTA said. It also feature two-way communication that allows SEPTA dispatchers to ask the reporting commuter for more information or give instructions on how to proceed.
The app automatically turns off your phone's flash so that no one nearby can tell you're taking a photo or video, SEPTA said.
SEPTA also plans to alert app users to "Be on the Look Out" with BOLO messages that will send information on suspects of missing people.
"We expect it will provide invaluable real-time information that will enhance safety and security throughout the transit system," SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel III said.
SEPTA partnered with ELERTS, a company that claims to have “mobile alert systems empower people to quickly report safety and security incidents,” for the app. ELERTS is known for “See Something, Say Something” mobile apps.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
The SEPTA Transit Watch app is available now on Apple and Android devices.
"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," SEPTA General Manager Jeffrey Knueppel said. "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."
