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SEPTA

Transit familiarization:

Amy Raphael, MS, OTR/L

Catherine Fleming, MOT, OTR/L

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Today’s Objectives

OT’s role in community mobility with SEPTA

About us

Safety in the Community

Accessible Travel Center

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Resources

Practice

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Trip Planning & Travel Tips

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SEPTA

What is SEPTA?

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Who has been on SEPTA before?

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Occupational Therapy and SEPTA

What we do at SEPTA

Paratransit

Providing the community and schools resources to support traveling on the SEPTA system with or without a disability.

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OT’s Role in Community Mobility

"Planning and moving around in the community using public or private transportation, such as driving, walking, bicycling, or accessing and riding in buses, taxi cabs, rideshares, or other transportation systems" .

    • Community mobility is grounded in independence, spontaneity, and identity.

(AJOT, 2020, p. 31)

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Accessible Travel Center (ATC)

Rooms 108 & 109 in the Concourse of Suburban Station

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Simulated platform with and without bridge plate.

  • Navigate through tight spaces & over gaps

Handicapped turnstile & parking in securement area.

  • Practice with real equipment

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1:12 simulated bus incline and life size simulation bus.

  • Practice simulated steps necessary to riding SEPTA buses

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SEPTA ACCESS

  • SEPTA ACCESS is the name for paratransit services (formerly CCT)
  • Eligible riders with disabilities
    • Common conditions: wheelchair user, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities & autism spectrum disorder

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Safety when Traveling

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Safety Awareness

  • Identify safe strangers
    • SEPTA drivers/conductors
    • Policemen, paramedics, fire fighters
      • Can you think of anyone else?
  • Keep all belongings close to you
  • Refrain from giving money to strangers
  • Remain alert at all times
    • Avoid napping
    • Look up from book or phone frequently
  • Download the SEPTA Watch app
  • Memorize emergency contact information and personal phone number

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Emergency ID Card:

  1. Name
  2. Phone number
  3. Address
  4. Emergency contact
  5. Emergency contact number

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Stop Assistance Card

Call (215) 580-7145 or TDD/TTY (215) 580-7712

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SEPTA Transit Options

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Regional Rail

  • 13 Rail lines
  • 4 Zones
  • Check online schedule advisories before leaving

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Subway

Transfer connection at City Hall

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Bus

  • 70 bus lines in Philadelphia
  • All buses have ramps & lifts, with ability to kneel
  • Confirm the correct bus number and direction on the bus stop sign
  • Pull the yellow cord to request stop before getting to desired stop
  • Travel training:
    • Practice mapping route
    • Navigate to bus stop
    • Present fare
    • Request stop

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Trolley

Green line

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  • Runs along a rail
  • Confirm the correct bus number and direction on the bus stop sign
  • Pull the yellow cord to request stop before getting to desired stop
  • Only have stairs to enter, not wheelchair accessible

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Norristown High Speed Line

Purple line

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Serving the areas between 69th street and Delaware & Montgomery Counties.

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Let’s Practice!

What direction is the 22 bus running in?

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Trip Planning and Travel Tips

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Tips for Traveling

  • Download the SEPTA app
  • Yield seats to elderly and disabled riders
  • Do not move between cars
  • Allow others to exit the train before boarding
  • Ensure your belongings are safe and secure
  • Be aware of your surroundings

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Trip Planning

  • Use the bathroom
  • Check the SEPTA schedule
  • What is the weather like? Are you dressed appropriately for it?

What to bring

  • Portable medical equipment and belongings
    • Medication, chargers or batteries for hearing aids, food or drink
  • Fare
    • Key card, SEPTA pass, money, mobile device
  • Emergency contact information
  • Pen and paper, whiteboard, or device to assist you in communicating with others

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Check for SEPTA Disruptions!

Where can you find information regarding disruptions?

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  • SEPTA’s social media
    • Twitter: @SEPTA_SOCIAL
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/septaphilly

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  • SEPTA phone app

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  • Delays or early arrivals
  • Untracked vehicles
  • Detours
  • Emergency situations

SEPTA Customer Service

(215)-580-7800

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Resources

  • SEPTA Website
    • https://www5.septa.org/
      • Accessibility and Fare Programming

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  • SEPTA Customer Service
    • http://septa.org/cs/
    • (215)-580-7800

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  • I SEPTA Philly
    • https://iseptaphilly.com/

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Let’s Review!

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Let’s Review… True or False

Only riders in a wheelchair may utilize the lift.

False! Anyone can request to use the lift.

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True or False…

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All subway stations are accessible.

False! You can check which stations are accessible via the SEPTA app.

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Question…

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What color are the trolley lines?

Green

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Questions?