PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A new SEPTA pilot program is taking a community-based approach to safety by placing members of a local nonprofit on trains to engage riders and help deter disruptive behavior.
The initiative, launched in partnership with the nonprofit Philly Truce, places its Peace Patrol members on the Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line.
Riders like Chinchila Jonesia say the added presence makes a difference.
“You do see a lot of different things happening on the train or the bus,” she said, adding that she feels a little better when she sees the Peace Patrol on board. “I think they’re a good presence.”
Unlike police officers, Peace Patrol members focus on education and engagement.
Philly Truce cofounder Mazzie Casher said, “It’s not enforcement. It’s engagement.”
Patrol members intervene when they witness issues such as fighting, fare evasion or smoking, and they also count simple interactions – from greetings to stopping rule-breaking – as part of their work.
Though Peace Patrol does have authority from SEPTA to make rule-breaking passengers leave trains, they prefer to lead with compassion and educate young people about the rules. They say that most often the response is positive.
SEPTA officials say the partnership supports both safety and community connection.
“We want our community to know we care about them in larger ways than transportation. It does, though, help with the budget,” said Teresa White, SEPTA’s manager for outreach programs.
Casher said the approach resonates especially with younger riders. “When you get a guy here, 22 going to talk to a 15 and 16 year old, they can vibe, they can relate,” he said.
Peace Patrol members say their goal is simple.
“We just want to see kids get home safe. My daughter rides this train every day. I’m an overprotective father,” said James Taylor of Philly Truce.
Another member, Stanley James III, said riders generally respond well.
“Usually when we go to people, try to deter them from what’s going on in the trains, they’re pretty receptive,” he said.
SEPTA says the Peace Patrol’s presence also frees transit police to focus on more serious issues.
“It enables our police force to look at more critical issues that are happening on our systems. It provides a non-threatening presence,” White said.
In its first two weeks, the Peace Patrol made contact with more than 26,000 riders, and 93% of surveyed riders said they want the program to continue. Casher said the response reflects what riders are looking for: “It makes them feel safe. It makes them feel like somebody cares.”
Philly Truce pays Peace Patrol members using funds from the City of Philadelphia’s anti-gun violence grants. The pilot program runs through the end of the year. Philly Truce is hoping there’s a chance the program could become more of a permanent presence.
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