Heading to the Parade? Remember to ‘Respect the Train’
February 7, 2018
SEPTA always reminds the public to “Respect the Train” by not walking along or crossing train tracks. That message is especially important as the Greater Philadelphia region heads to Center City for the Eagles Championship Parade on February 8.
“This is an exciting time for the region and we hope that those attending festivities will use SEPTA for their travels,” said SEPTA General Manager Jeffrey Knueppel. “However, we also want the public to understand that this is by no means a normal service day for SEPTA. We will be running special service on our Regional Rail, Market-Frankford, Broad Street, City Trolley, Media/Sharon Hill and Norristown High Speed Lines.”
Jim Fox, SEPTA Assistant General Manager of System Safety said, “We are not using the schedules people are accustomed to and trains are not stopping at all stations. It is very important for people at vehicular and pedestrian crossings to pay attention to the crossing gates and signals. Trespassing on tracks is always unsafe and illegal and doing so on parade day may be an extremely risky decision.”
In addition to schedule changes, SEPTA is increasing passenger capacity on its system for the parade. “We are anticipating many cars and people in the vicinity of our stations,as passengers will be driving to parking lots or dropped off at the stations,” said Knueppel. “Please be aware of this increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic at our stations.”
Many of the passengers using SEPTA for the parade will not be the Authority’s regular customers. To assist all riders, especially those unfamiliar with the SEPTA system, the Authority will have employee ambassadors at all stations.
“Our employees will be on hand to answer questions and help customers safely board and exit trains,” said Fox. “It’s important for riders to pay attention to the directions of our staff and let trains come to a complete stop before attempting to get on or off trains. Passengers should also stand behind the yellow lines on the platforms.”
All SEPTA customers traveling to the parade should bring their patience for the triphome at the conclusion of the festivities. “We are carrying thousands of people to Center City staggered over several hours in the morning,” said Knueppel. “When the events end, everyone will be heading back to our stations at the same time. We are going to get everyone home—but everyone can’t fit on the same train.” Knueppel added, “This parade will be the celebration of a lifetime for Eagles’ fans. We ask parade goers to remember to be aware of their surroundings and take time to be safe when traveling to and from the celebration on SEPTA.”
SEPTA reminds customers to put the following safety tips in their “travel playbook” every day, not just special occasions:
• Do not cross between cars when trains are moving.
• Never run after a moving train, bus or trolley.
• Stay off the tracks.
• Do not put your hand, pocketbook, umbrella, or any other object in the closing door of a train, bus or trolley.
• When traveling with children, please remain extra vigilant during your ride. When exiting the vehicle, always hold the child's hand and escort them on and off the vehicle.
For more SEPTA safety tips, click here.
This is a celebration of a lifetime - meant to be a day to remember - let's make it a happy one!
