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.<\/p>\n
The initiative, launched in partnership with the nonprofit Philly Truce, places its Peace Patrol members on the Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line.<\/p>\n
Riders like Chinchila Jonesia say the added presence makes a difference.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Unlike police officers, Peace Patrol members focus on education and engagement.<\/p>\n
Philly Truce cofounder Mazzie Casher said, “It’s not enforcement. It’s engagement.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
SEPTA officials say the partnership supports both safety and community connection.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Peace Patrol members say their goal is simple.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Another member, Stanley James III, said riders generally respond well.<\/p>\n
“Usually when we go to people, try to deter them from what’s going on in the trains, they’re pretty receptive,” he said.<\/p>\n
SEPTA says the Peace Patrol’s presence also frees transit police to focus on more serious issues.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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