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We thank SEPTA General Manager Leslie Richards for all that she accomplished in her time serving as GM of SEPTA, despite all the challenges public transit faced since the pandemic. But this departure leaves the agency in a precarious position for its future.
On Thursday, October 24, SEPTA General Manager Leslie Richards announced her departure from the transit agency, effective November 30. In the week leading up to the announcement, GM Richards spoke several times at the Mpact Conference we attended in Philadelphia - speaking repeatedly of the challenges and promise of the agency, right up to and including that Wednesday afternoon. The eyes of the nation's transit agencies and contractors were on SEPTA with over 1000 practitioners in attendance.
To say this was unexpected is an understatement. We can’t help but be concerned about the timing of this announcement and what it means for our riders. In the midst of the current funding crisis, anticipated fare increases and service cuts, and an authorized operator strike, Philly’s transit riders need steady leadership. We already know SEPTA's board does not use the system it ostensibly represents. Will they use this opportunity to step up and fight on behalf of riders and workers?
We look forward to working with SEPTA, and pushing them when appropriate, during this transition period.
