Company Directory - South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
Company Details - South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
WebsitePhiladelphia, United States
The South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is a regional public transportation authority serving the Greater Philadelphia area. It provides a range of services including bus, subway, regional rail, and trolley systems, making public transit accessible for commuters and reducing traffic congestion in the urban environment.
CCI Score
CCI Score: South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
2.16
-0.01%
Latest Event
SEPTA Implements AI-Powered Enforcement Cameras for Accessible Transit
SEPTA is set to deploy AI-powered cameras on 150 buses and 20 trolleys starting May 1, 2025, as part of an initiative enabled by a local ordinance. The system is designed to automatically capture images of vehicles illegally parked in bus lanes and at transit stops, with the goal of improving traffic flow and safeguarding accessibility—especially for riders with disabilities.
Take Action
So what can you do? Support SEPTA by shopping, spreading the word, or offering your support.
- Shop Alternatives
SEE ALL - Use Your Voice
OTHER TOOLS - Investigate
- Share the Score
SUPPORT CCI
OBJECTOR
South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is currently rated as an Objector.
Latest Events
- MAY012025
SEPTA is set to deploy AI-powered cameras on 150 buses and 20 trolleys starting May 1, 2025, as part of an initiative enabled by a local ordinance. The system is designed to automatically capture images of vehicles illegally parked in bus lanes and at transit stops, with the goal of improving traffic flow and safeguarding accessibility—especially for riders with disabilities.
+30
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
The deployment of AI enforcement cameras follows a legislative measure aimed at ensuring transit accessibility and public safety. This initiative supports a progressive public policy that prioritizes the rights of marginalized groups such as riders with disabilities, reflecting a commitment to equitable urban mobility.
SEPTA to implement AI-powered cameras on 150 buses and 20 trolleys May 1
+5
Provision of Repressive Technologies
April 4
While the introduction of AI-powered cameras introduces an element of surveillance typically associated with repressive technologies, in this context the system is used to fairly enforce parking laws to alleviate congestion and prevent access barriers at transit facilities. The benefits for community safety and enhanced accessibility help mitigate typical concerns about intrusive surveillance.
SEPTA to implement AI-powered cameras on 150 buses and 20 trolleys May 1
- MAR072025
SEPTA representatives testified at a legislative hearing addressing a $240 million budget shortfall, emphasizing the agency's critical role in supporting economic productivity and serving marginalized communities in Greater Philadelphia.
+60
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
SEPTA's active participation in the legislative hearing to advocate for robust public transportation funding demonstrates a commitment to preserving essential public services that benefit workers and marginalized communities, countering partisan efforts that could undermine equitable access.
Pa. Lawmakers Hear the Case for Public Transportation Funding
+35
Economic and Structural Influence
April 4
By highlighting its substantial economic impact—generating billions in revenue and supporting thousands of jobs—SEPTA underscores its role as a stabilizing force in the regional economy, supporting sustainable public infrastructure that benefits all citizens.
Pa. Lawmakers Hear the Case for Public Transportation Funding
- NOV222024
SEPTA has been slated to receive $153M in federal highway funding, as announced by Governor Josh Shapiro, to help avert a 30% fare hike and prevent deep service cuts. While the agency will eliminate a discount for Key card riders—resulting in a modest fare increase—the funding provides temporary relief from a $240M deficit and safeguards essential transportation services for Philadelphia’s commuters.
+70
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
The allocation of $153M via executive action reflects a proactive public political intervention. This move supports affordable transit services and protects both transit workers and daily commuters in an environment of economic strain and rising costs, aligning with progressive public policy goals.
+60
Economic and Structural Influence
April 4
The targeted infusion of federal dollars is an economic measure aimed at stabilizing SEPTA’s operational finances and preventing catastrophic cuts. This intervention not only aids in mitigating a substantial deficit but also reinforces the importance of sustainable public infrastructure, which is essential for supporting marginalized communities and the working public.
- NOV202024
Amidst a structural budget deficit, SEPTA has proposed a 21.5% fare increase along with severe service cuts, a measure that could further burden low-income riders and undermine equitable access to transportation.
-60
Economic and Structural Influence
April 4
The proposed fare hikes and service cuts, driven by financial pressures and loss of aid, are likely to disproportionately impact marginalized communities who depend on affordable public transit. This economic policy could exacerbate inequality and hinder equitable access, reflecting a negative impact on economic and structural influence.
Philadelphia’s mass transit system averts a strike by reaching a deal with its largest workers union
- NOV202024
SEPTA reached a tentative one-year contract deal with Transport Workers Union Local 234, providing a 5% raise and enhanced safety measures, including bulletproof enclosures for drivers, thereby averting a potential strike by its 5,000-strong workforce.
+80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 4
The negotiated contract, which includes a wage increase and safety improvements for frontline workers, represents a strong commitment to upholding labor rights and protecting workers from exploitation and unsafe conditions. This anti-fascist, pro-worker outcome contributes positively to ethical business practices.
Philadelphia’s mass transit system averts a strike by reaching a deal with its largest workers union
- FEB032024
Nine SEPTA managers and two vendors have been charged with engaging in a six‐year scheme of bribery and fraud through false invoicing, undermining ethical standards and public confidence in Philadelphia’s transit system.
-70
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
The scandal reflects a breach of public trust as elected officials and managers abuse their authority. The circulation of fraudulent practices within a critical public institution undermines democratic accountability and transparency.
Unveiling SEPTA's Dark Underbelly: Bribery and Fraud Charges Disrupt Infrastructure
-80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
The prolonged operation of false invoicing practices and collusion with vendors to divert funds demonstrates severe ethical lapses and irresponsible business practices within a public service institution intended to serve community interests.
Unveiling SEPTA's Dark Underbelly: Bribery and Fraud Charges Disrupt Infrastructure
- DEC152023
SEPTA ended its year-long AI surveillance pilot with ZeroEyes in December 2023 after determining that its legacy analog security cameras were incompatible with the modern technology. While the cancellation averted the deployment of potentially invasive repressive surveillance tools, the agency concurrently reallocated the pilot’s funding toward upgrading camera systems and significantly increasing police staffing and overtime in response to rising transit violence.
+50
Provision of Repressive Technologies
April 4
By canceling the ZeroEyes AI surveillance program due to technical incompatibility with outdated analog cameras, SEPTA prevented the implementation of a repressive surveillance technology that could have enabled rapid identification of individuals and potentially facilitated over-policing. This action is viewed positively from an anti-authoritarian perspective as it avoided the risks associated with deploying invasive AI-based gun detection systems.
SEPTA's 'archaic' security cameras foil plans for a program that would use AI to detect guns
-30
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
Although SEPTA’s decision to cancel the invasive AI surveillance pilot is a positive anti-authoritarian gesture, the simultaneous reallocation of funds towards boosting police presence—including increased overtime and staffing—raises concerns about further entrenching a punitive security apparatus. This move may contribute to an environment where enhanced policing could lead to overreach and marginalization of vulnerable communities.
SEPTA's 'archaic' security cameras foil plans for a program that would use AI to detect guns
- DEC142023
Amid Pennsylvania's budget impasse, SEPTA's lobbying for a sales tax transfer to secure an additional $190 million annually was omitted from state legislation. This has prompted the agency to intensify its advocacy in order to avert expected operational budget shortfalls and to protect service levels and worker conditions.
+70
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
SEPTA is actively engaging in public and political advocacy by pushing for the funding it needs to maintain essential transit services and safeguard workers’ rights and public welfare. This proactive stance is a positive anti-authoritarian action that supports community interests against neglect from political institutions.
SEPTA funding shortfall continues as Pa. legislature neglects public transit
- NOV012022
SEPTA approved a pilot program to implement ZeroEyes' AI-based gun detection software on its security cameras to enhance rider and employee safety by quickly identifying brandished guns and alerting law enforcement.
+20
Executive Political Engagement
April 4
SEPTA’s board, led by its president, approved the pilot program demonstrating proactive public and political engagement. This decision to integrate advanced security technology reflects a commitment to rider safety and a protective public policy approach that benefits marginalized communities.
Gun Detection A.I. to Add Another Layer of Security to SEPTA
+30
Provision of Repressive Technologies
April 4
The incorporation of ZeroEyes' AI technology, although a surveillance tool, is used here to detect potential gun-related threats and prompt timely responses from security personnel and law enforcement. This application prioritizes public safety and violence prevention over oppressive surveillance, aligning with anti-authoritarian measures.
Gun Detection A.I. to Add Another Layer of Security to SEPTA
- AUG122021
An AP investigation reveals that SEPTA managers engaged in a years-long bribery scheme, accepting monthly bribes ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 from vendors in exchange for steering legitimate business, and involving the recruitment of successors into the scheme.
-80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
The bribery scheme involving SEPTA managers clearly violates ethical business practices by undermining trust and transparency. Accepting bribes to steer contracts compromises the integrity of public transportation operations and is indicative of deeply rooted corruption within the organization.
Prosecutors: SEPTA managers took bribes in years-long scheme
- AUG112021
Multiple SEPTA maintenance managers and associated vendors have been charged with bribery and fraud for exploiting the agency's procurement card system. The scheme involved soliciting regular cash payments and falsifying billing, which has led to significant financial losses and undermined public trust in SEPTA’s operations.
-40
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
The fraudulent actions by management undermine public trust and accountability in SEPTA, a key public service provider. Such breaches in ethical standards can erode citizens’ confidence in government-run institutions, indirectly paving the way for authoritarian practices if left unchecked.
Nine SEPTA Maintenance Managers and Vendors Charged with Bribery and Fraud
-60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
The bribery and fraudulent billing scheme reflects serious ethical violations within SEPTA's business practices. These actions compromise transparency and accountability, indicating a deep-seated problem in internal controls and ethical culture, which negatively impacts the public interest.
Nine SEPTA Maintenance Managers and Vendors Charged with Bribery and Fraud
- AUG112021
Seven former management-level employees in SEPTA's Bridges and Buildings Department have been charged with bribery and fraud in a scheme alleged to misappropriate nearly $1 million through the misuse of procurement cards.
-80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
The charges against former SEPTA managers for bribery and fraud highlight a serious breach of ethical standards and internal controls. Such misconduct in a public trust institution undermines accountability and erodes public confidence in the organization’s business practices.
Seven ex-SEPTA managers charged in alleged bribery scheme totaling nearly $1 million
Alternatives
New York, United States
-0.51
Berlin, Germany
2.85
Berlin, Germany
-30.93
India
-63.20
Corporation
2.56
Washington, D.C., United States
5.30
Washington, D.C., United States
83.93
Washington, United States
69.42
Washington, D.C., United States
67.30
Washington, D.C., United States
63.80
Industries
- 485999
- All Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation
- 541611
- Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- 485110
- Urban Transit Systems