Two random attacks on Center City subway concourses Wednesday have SEPTA travelers on high alert.
Three teenagers beat and robbed a 15-year-old on a concourse beneath the Municipal Services building on JFK Boulevard Wednesday afternoon, police say.
Only minutes later, an 18-year-old and his 16-year-old girlfriend were attacked near a stairwell at Broad and Chestnut streets at about 3 p.m., according to authorities.
In the attack against the young couple, a group of 12 males kicked and punched the teens and took the girl's purse, police say. The two were hospitalized for cuts and bruises.
"I don’t see that many police," said Maggie Powers, who uses public transportation several times a week. "I just saw one a few minutes ago, but there isn’t much police activity here and there really should be."
SEPTA officials say they have stepped-up patrols in recent years, especially during peak transit hours.
SEPTA has surveillance cameras surrounding its platforms and ticket counters, but the recent assaults occurred on city property where there are no cameras.
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