Promoting Transparency, Strong Governance, and Accountability
At SEPTA, we strive to steward our public funds responsibly and improve our processes and internal controls. That’s why the OIG is publishing its reports of audits, investigations, and reviews, which will promote transparency, strong governance, and accountability.
Commitment to Monitoring and Deterring Misconduct
As demonstrated through these reports, as well as management’s responses and corrective actions, SEPTA is vigilant about monitoring itself and deterring misconduct. While there will inevitably be some bad actors in a large workforce, the OIG believes that, through transparency and accountability, we at SEPTA can continuously improve and earn the trust of our customers, the taxpayers, and the elected officials who support us.
| OIG # | Title | Date | Type | Implemented Recommendations | Comments | hf:tax:report_type | hf:tax:report_year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-23-166 | Security Guard Contractor Engaged in Gun Shootout with Passenger on Moving Train – Workplace Violence | Jun 2024 | Investigation | 1/1 | Contractor terminated. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-23-0177 | Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud | Apr 2024 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject was criminally charged with Insurance Fraud and Criminal Attempt. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-23-018 | Two SEPTA Contractor Security Guards Fought with Passenger at SEPTA Station – Workplace Violence | Feb 2024 | Investigation | 1/1 | Contractors terminated. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-22-133 | Cashier Possessed Firearm Multiple Times On-Duty and Discharged Firearm Outside SEPTA Station– Workplace Violence | Feb 2024 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee terminated. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-23-0163 | Regional Rail Employee Engaged in Physical Altercation with Multiple Passengers – Workplace Violence | Mar 2024 | Investigation | 1/1 | Criminal charges filed but dismissed by Court. Employee terminated. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-23-014 | SEPTA Bus Operator Threatened a Juvenile Passenger and Brandished a Firearm - Workplace Violence | Mar 2024 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee terminated. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-22-045 | SEPTA Manager, Using Pseudonyms, Leaked Internal Documents and Communications on Public Social Media Account | Jan 2023 | Investigation | 2/2 | Employee terminated. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-030 | Director Abused His Use of the Corporate Card and Lied to OIG | Nov 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject was discharged and Wealth & Welfare Plan benefits were forfeited. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-023 | Paratransit Driver Inappropriately Leaned into Passenger’s Space | Dec 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | Contractor was removed from working under SEPTA contract and is ineligible for re-hire by SEPTA. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-003 | Bus Operator Sexually Assaulted Co-Worker | Oct 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee was terminated, was criminally charged, and pled guilty to Simple Assault. Employee is ineligible for re-hire. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-038 | Security Guard Contractor Committed Lewd Act in Unauthorized Area | Aug 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | Security Guard contractor no longer working at SEPTA and ineligible for re-hire. | investigation | 2023 |
| R-23-003 | Certificates of Insurance | Nov 2023 | Review | 0/1 | Management agreed with OIG recommendation. | review | 2023 |
| A-23-07 | Transit Police Department’s Administrative Enforcement Notices (AEN) | Dec 2023 | Audit | 0/24 | Management agreed with OIG recommendations. | audit | 2023 |
| I-23-025 | Mismanagement and Abuse of SEPTA Wages by a Track Manager and Track Employee | Sep 2023 | Investigation | 3/3 | Subject is reimbursing SEPTA for receipt of undue wages. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-021 | SEPTA Subway-Elevated Train Operator Assaulted Vulnerable Individual on SEPTA Train – Workplace Violence | Aug 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject is no longer employed at SEPTA. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-016 | Contract Security Employees Engaged in Physical Altercation with Rider – Workplace Violence | Aug 2023 | Investigation | 3/3 | Subjects are no longer working as contractors for SEPTA. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-005 | Security Guard Contractor Assaulted Homeless Individual in SEPTA Station – Workplace Violence | Aug 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject is no longer working as a contractor for SEPTA. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-125 | SEPTA Employee Sought to Purchase an Untraceable Firearm while at Work | Sep 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject is no longer employed at SEPTA. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-076 | Passenger Charged with Insurance Fraud for Making False and Misleading Injury Claims after a Minor Bus Collision | Oct 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject was criminally charged with Insurance Fraud. | investigation | 2023 |
| R-23-002 | Review of Weapons Prohibition Language | Sep 2023 | Review | 0/3 | Management agreed with OIG Recommendations. | review | 2023 |
| A-23-03 | Seniors Ride Free Audit Report | Sep 2023 | Audit | 0/22 | Management agreed with all OIG Recommendations except No. 20. | audit | 2023 |
| I-23-035 | Three Maintenance Custodians Engaged in Physical Altercation, Resulting in Stabbing – Workplace Violence | Jul 2023 | Investigation | 4/4 | Maintenance Custodian was criminally charged. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-118 | SEPTA Overhead Maintainer Took, without Permission, Personal Tool of Co-Worker | Jul 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | See OIG recommendations. | investigation | 2023 |
| R-23-03 | Letter Recommendation for Social Media Posts by SEPTA Employees that Violate SEPTA Rules and Policies | Mar 2023 | Review | -- | See OIG recommendations. | review | 2023 |
| I-23-022 | Two SEPTA Railroad Employees Harassed Other Employees and Lied to the OIG | Jun 2023 | Investigation | 2/2 | Railroad Engineer was discharged. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-051 | Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud | Jul 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | SUBJECT was criminally charged with Insurance Fraud. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-21-038 | Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud | Jul 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | SUBJECT was criminally charged with Insurance Fraud. | investigation | 2023 |
| A-23-02 | ESMS-Berridge Shop Audit | Jun 2023 | Audit | 0/15 | Management agrees with the recommendations and will implement a related action plan. | audit | 2023 |
| A-23-01 | ESMS-Wayne Shop Audit | Jun 2023 | Audit | 0/15 | Management agrees with the recommendations and will implement a related action plan. | audit | 2023 |
| A-22-03 | Overtime Management Audit | Jun 2023 | Audit | 0/4 | Management agrees with the recommendations and will implement a related action plan. | audit | 2023 |
| I-22-103 | Review of Trespass Fatality on Regional Rail | Feb 2023 | Review | 0/6 | See OIG recommendations and Management Responses. | review | 2023 |
| R-22-002 | Review of Blanket Purchase Orders | Jul 2023 | Review | 0/3 | PSCM Management disagrees with some of the underlying findings and analysis, as well as the Recommendations, contained in the OIG's Report. PSCM Management has expressed an interest in retaining an outside consultant with expertise in blanket procurements to advise on best practices. PSCM Management will review the Procurement Manual for any needed clarifications. | review | 2023 |
| I-22-111 | Station Cashier Engaged in Physical Altercation with Riders – Workplace Violence | Mar 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee was terminated and charged criminally with Simple Assault, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Obstructing Justice, Attempting to Commit Tampering with Evidence, Tampering with Evidence, Harassment, Disorderly Conduct-Fighting. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-115 | Maintenance Custodian Took a Union Fundraiser Item from SEPTA Property – Theft | Apr 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee was terminated and is ineligible for re-hire. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-019 | SEPTA Contractor Assaulted and Threatened Philadelphia Merchant – Workplace Violence | May 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | Contractor was removed from working under SEPTA contract and permanently prohibited from hire in any capacity at SEPTA. Contractor was convicted of Terroristic Threats, Simple Assault, and Harassment. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-124 | Three Contractors Fight in SEPTA Station on Two Consecutive Days – Workplace Violence | Jun 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | All three contractors were terminated and are ineligible for hire on any SEPTA contract or in any capacity at SEPTA. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-078 | Job Applicant for SEPTA Employment Arrested by OIG for Identity Theft | Mar 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | Pled Guilty to Identity Theft and Falsely Pretends to Hold a Professional License; sentenced to 18 months’ probation; ineligible for hire. View press release. | investigation | 2022 |
| A-22-10 | Quality Assurance Inspection Process | Mar 2023 | Audit | 0/9 | Management agrees and will implement the action plan in 2023. | audit | 2022 |
| I-22-092 | Security Guide Contractor Engaged in Physical Altercation with Rider – Workplace Violence | Mar 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | Contractor ineligible for SEPTA employment or contractor. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-129 | Storekeeper Possessed an Unauthorized Firearm on SEPTA Property – Workplace Violence | Jan 2023 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee was discharged. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-009 | Employee at SEPTA Headquarters Sent Inappropriate Emails | Jan 2023 | Investigation | 2/2 | Employee was counseled on SEPTA policies and workplace behavior. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-029 | Subway-Elevated Train Operator Failed to Disclose Criminal Charges and Arrest and Submitted Doctor’s Note Based on False Pretenses | Dec 2022 | Investigation | 1/1 | Management accepted and implemented the OIG’s recommendations. | investigation | 2022 |
| -- | Letter Recommendation: Possessing or Carrying of Firearms on SEPTA Property by Contractors/Vendors | Jan 2022 | 2/2 | 2022 | |||
| R-22-003 | Report of Review of Certifications and Recertifications | Jan 2023 | Review | 0/3 | Management accepted the OIG's recommendations and is in the process of implementing changes. | review | 2023 |
| A-22-05 | Tools Control | Dec 2022 | Audit | 0/3 | Management accepted the OIG's recommendations and is in the process of implementing changes. | audit | 2022 |
| A-22-02 | Non-Stock Materials | Nov 2022 | Audit | 0/3 | Management will implement a related action plan. | audit | 2022 |
| I-22-052 | Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud | Nov 2022 | Investigation | 1/1 | Individual who made false injury claim to SEPTA was criminally charged. | investigation | 2022 |
| A-21-01 | Customized Community Transit | Nov 2022 | Audit | 0/9 | Management accepted the OIG’s recommendations and is in the process of implementing changes. | audit | 2022 |
| A-22-04 | SEPTA Key Financial Controls | Nov 2022 | Audit | 0/9 | Management accepted the OIG’s recommendations and is in the process of implementing changes. | audit | 2022 |
| I-22-093 | SEPTA Surface Train Operator Assaults Co-Worker in Trolley Yard – Workplace Violence | Sep 2022 | Investigation | 1/1 | Arrest warrant issued for Subject. Subject no longer employed at SEPTA. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-21-070 | Bus Passenger Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision - Insurance Fraud | Oct 2022 | Investigation | 1/1 | Arrest warrant was issued on passenger’s false injury claim to SEPTA in the amount of $5,800. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-21-059 | Bus Operator Engaged in Unbecoming Conduct while in SEPTA Uniform | Aug 2022 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee was counseled. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-22-053 | CCT Carriers Failed to Inform Employees of SEPTA's Weapons Prohibition | May 2022 | Investigation | 1/1 | CCT management now requires all new trainees to sign a Workplace Violence acknowledgment form. On 5/17/22, the OIG presented to CCT carrier executive leadership regarding SEPTA’s Weapons Prohibition. | investigation | 2022 |
| A-22-01 | National Transit Database Reporting Process | Oct 2022 | Audit | 2/2 | Management accepted the OIG’s recommendations and is in the process of implementing changes. | audit | 2022 |
| I-21-034 | Passenger Made False and Misleading Injury Claims after Minor Bus Collision – Insurance Fraud | Sep 2022 | Investigation | 1/1 | Arrest warrant was issued on passenger’s false injury claim to SEPTA in the amount of approximately $10,000. | investigation | 2022 |
| R-22-01 | Review of Corporate Card Program | Oct 2022 | Review | 6/6 | No evidence of fraud, waste, or abuse. Management agreed to corrective actions to establish more internal controls. | review | 2022 |
| I-21-066 | HVAC Specialist Watched Videos on Personal Cell Phone during Work Hours | Jul 2022 | Investigation | 2/2 | Subject no longer employed at SEPTA. Management reviewed unauthorized use of personal cell phone policy with all employees on location. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-21-046, I-21-065 | Managers Misused P-Cards for Personal Gain | Jun 2022 | Investigation | 5/5 | Subject-1 was terminated. SEPTA collected repayment of stolen funds from Subject -1 and Subject-2. View 7.18.2022 Press Release. View 7.27.2022 Press Release. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-21-037 | Track General Helper Assaulted and Threatened Co-Worker - Workplace Violence | May 2022 | Investigation | 1/1 | Criminal charges filed against Subject. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-21-069 | Passenger Made False and Misleading Injury Claims after Minor Bus Collision - Insurance Fraud | Apr 2022 | Investigation | 1/1 | Arrest warrant was issued on passenger’s false injury claim to SEPTA in the amount of $13,058. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-21-064 | Security Guard Contractor Assaulted Customer - Workplace Violence | Dec 2021 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject was arrested, pled guilty to Simple Assault, and was sentenced to 23 months’ imprisonment. Subject was terminated from SEPTA employment. | investigation | 2021 |
| I-22-025 | Employee, upon Termination, Threatened Co-Workers - Workplace Violence | Apr 2022 | Investigation | 1/1 | Former employee ineligible for rehire. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-22-050 | Paratransit Driver Had Improper Verbal Contact with Cognitively Disabled Rider | Apr 2022 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject was permanently disqualified from performing work under SEPTA contract. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-22-020 | Transportation Manager Physically Struck Member of Public - Workplace Violence | Mar 2022 | Investigation | 1/1 | Management discharged the Subject. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-21-062, I-22-018 | Paratransit Driver Had Improper Written and Verbal Contact with Two Cognitively Disabled Riders | Mar 2022 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject was permanently disqualified from performing work under SEPTA contract. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-21-056 | Operator Alighted Bus and Had Physical Altercation with Motorist – Workplace Violence | Jan 2022 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject was discharged. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-21-055 | Security Guard Contractor Threatened Customer – Workplace Violence | Dec 2021 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject was terminated. | investigation | 2021 |
| R-21-53 | Report of Review of Conflict of Interest Procedures for SEPTA Board Members | Oct 2021 | Review | 4/5 | Office of General Counsel and Board Secretary have agreed to corrective actions. | review | 2021 |
| I-21-031 | Mechanic Made Nonconsensual Recording during Work Meeting | Dec 2021 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee was issued a written warning. | investigation | 2021 |