SEPTA officials on Wednesday, July 29, reported continued reductions in serious crimes in the second quarter of 2026, compared to the same time last year.

According to a SEPTA report, the second quarter of 2026 saw a 21% overall crime decline versus the second quarter last year, with aggravated assaults down 40%. However, the system has had two arsons, 30 robberies, and one murder.

SEPTA officials reported “crime reductions of double-digit percentage points on the [L] Market-Frankford Line, [B] Broad Street Line, and buses,” according to the report.

SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer explained that these decreases occurred as police ramped up enforcement during the World Cup events.

“Transit Police played a critical role in ensuring that more than 155,000 fans who took the B after the six World Cup matches had a safe and positive experience on our system,” said Sauer in a statement shared with NBC10 Philadelphia. “This was the largest security posture in Transit Police history with enhanced foot patrols, K9 units, and real-time monitoring by our Virtual Patrol to manage the massive crowds at NRG Station, and it was a huge success.”

SEPTA’s Transit Police staff has grown to 220 officers — six above the budgeted headcount — as part of safety investments.

SEPTA police have also been working to address issues that frequently appear in rider complaints: fare evasion and smoking.

Fare evasion enforcement rose 19% year over year in the second quarter of 2026, and smoking citations increased 27%.

To address fare evasion, SEPTA said it is installing full-height fare gates. A first phase, which saw full-height gates installed at 10 stations across the transit system, has been completed. SEPTA said a new phase for 2027 will bring the gates to an additional 13 stations.

“Fare payment is not just about revenue. It is about fairness and safety,” said SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson in a statement shared with NBC10. “When people do not pay, everyone loses. By stepping up enforcement and making strategic investments, we are working hard to ensure that every rider does their part.”

A Walnut-Locust Station pilot is currently testing modified and extended fare gates to deter evasion.