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 through 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 Reports

OIG #TitleDateTypeImplemented RecommendationsCommentshf:tax:report_typehf:tax:report_year
I-23-014SEPTA Bus Operator Threatened a Juvenile Passenger and Brandished a Firearm - Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Mar 2024Investigation1/1

Employee was terminated, criminally charged, stood trial, and convicted of Simple Assault, Stalking, Possession of Instrument of a Crime, and Harassment. Employee is ineligible for re-hire.

investigation2024
I-23-251Maintenance Custodian Took Passenger’s Bag, which Allegedly Contained a Firearm, and Committed Overtime Wage Abuse (PDF opens in new tab)Jun 2024Investigation1/1

Employee discharged.

investigation2024
I-23-0236Bus Operator Carried a Firearm On-Duty and Carelessly Operated a Bus with Passengers Onboard – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Jun 2024Investigation1/1

Employee terminated.

investigation2024
I-23-166Security Guard Contractor Engaged in Gun Shootout with Passenger on Moving Train – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Jun 2024Investigation1/1

Contractor no longer works at SEPTA.

investigation2024
A-23-11Inventory Management and Valuation (PDF opens in new tab)Jun 2024Audit0/5

Management agrees with recommendations.

audit2024
R-23-004Use of Non-Revenue Vehicles (NRV) (PDF opens in new tab)Feb 2024Review0/3

Management agrees with recommendations.

review2024
A-23-09Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program (PDF opens in new tab)Feb 2024Audit0/7

Management agrees with recommendations.

audit2024
A-23-08Dependents’ Benefits Eligibility (PDF opens in new tab)May 2024Audit4/4

Management agrees with recommendations.

audit2024
A-23-04Leased Vehicle and Equipment (PDF opens in new tab)Mar 2024Audit16/20

Management agrees with recommendations.  Management assumes the risk for those recommendations not implemented.

audit2024
I-23-0177Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud (PDF opens in new tab)Apr 2024Investigation1/1

Subject was criminally charged with Insurance Fraud and Criminal Attempt.

investigation2024
I-23-018Two SEPTA Contractor Security Guards Fought with Passenger at SEPTA Station – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Feb 2024Investigation1/1

Contractors terminated.

investigation2024
I-22-133Cashier Possessed Firearm Multiple Times On-Duty and Discharged Firearm Outside SEPTA Station– Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Feb 2024Investigation1/1

Employee terminated.

investigation2024
I-23-0163Regional Rail Employee Engaged in Physical Altercation with Multiple Passengers – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Mar 2024Investigation1/1

Criminal charges filed but dismissed by Court. Employee terminated.

investigation2024
I-23-0326Chief Instructor of Welding Training School Falsified Professional Credentials and Training Certifications, and Lied to Management (PDF opens in new tab)Sep 2024Investigation3/3

Employee discharged. Management agrees with recommendations.

investigation2024
I-22-045SEPTA Manager, Using Pseudonyms, Leaked Internal Documents and Communications on Public Social Media Account (PDF opens in new tab)Jan 2023Investigation2/2

Employee terminated.

investigation2023
I-23-030Director Abused His Use of the Corporate Card and Lied to OIG (PDF opens in new tab)Nov 2023Investigation1/1

Subject was discharged and Wealth & Welfare Plan benefits were forfeited.

investigation2023
I-23-023Paratransit Driver Inappropriately Leaned into Passenger’s Space (PDF opens in new tab)Dec 2023Investigation1/1

Contractor was removed from working under SEPTA contract and is ineligible for re-hire by SEPTA.

investigation2023
I-23-003Bus Operator Sexually Assaulted Co-Worker (PDF opens in new tab)Oct 2023Investigation1/1

Employee was terminated, was criminally charged, and pled guilty to Simple Assault. Employee is ineligible for re-hire.

investigation2023
I-22-038Security Guard Contractor Committed Lewd Act in Unauthorized Area (PDF opens in new tab)Aug 2023Investigation1/1

Security Guard contractor no longer working at SEPTA and ineligible for re-hire.

investigation2023
R-23-003Certificates of Insurance (PDF opens in new tab)Nov 2023Review1/1

Management agreed with OIG recommendation.

review2023
A-23-07Transit Police Department’s Administrative Enforcement Notices (AEN) (PDF opens in new tab)Dec 2023Audit0/24

Transit Police abolished the AEN Program as of 7/1/24.

audit2023
I-23-025Mismanagement and Abuse of SEPTA Wages by a Track Manager and Track Employee (PDF opens in new tab)Sep 2023Investigation3/3

Subject is reimbursing SEPTA for receipt of undue wages.

investigation2023
I-23-021SEPTA Subway-Elevated Train Operator Assaulted Vulnerable Individual on SEPTA Train – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Aug 2023Investigation1/1

Subject is no longer employed at SEPTA.

investigation2023
I-23-016Contract Security Employees Engaged in Physical Altercation with Rider – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Aug 2023Investigation3/3

Subjects are no longer working as contractors for SEPTA.

investigation2023
I-23-005Security Guard Contractor Assaulted Homeless Individual in SEPTA Station – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Aug 2023Investigation1/1

Subject is no longer working as a contractor for SEPTA.

investigation2023
A-24-08Transit Police Internal Affairs Audit (PDF opens in new tab)Dec 2024Audit0/10

Management agrees with recommendations.

audit2024
I-25-0165SEPTA Employee Misrepresented His Serious Criminal History during SEPTA Hiring Process (PDF opens in new tab)May 2025Investigation1/2

Employee terminated.

investigation2025
I-24-0094Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud (PDF opens in new tab)Feb 2025Investigation1/1

SUBJECT was criminally charged.

investigation2025
I-24-0407Two Individuals Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud (PDF opens in new tab)May 2025Investigation1/1

SUBJECTS were criminally charged.

investigation2025
R-23-006Summary of Report of Review of SCOPE Outreach Services Program (PDF opens in new tab)Jan 2025Review0/3

Management’s Response is set forth at the end of the Summary.

review2025
I-24-0128Individual Falsely Claimed to Be a Passenger and Made False Injury Claim after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud (PDF opens in new tab)Dec 2024Investigation1/1

Subject was convicted of Insurance Fraud and sentenced to 5 years’ probation plus fines.

investigation2024
I-24-0020Cashier Possessed Firearm in Personal Vehicle on SEPTA Property and Made Multiple False Reports to Police and Management - Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Oct 2024Investigation2/2

Employee terminated from SEPTA while under OIG investigation.

investigation2024
I-24-0146OIG Filed Criminal Summary Citation against SEPTA Employee for Possessing and Intentionally Abandoning a Firearm on SEPTA Property – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Oct 2024Investigation1/1

Employee was convicted and fined, and his Firearm Permit was revoked. Employee is no longer employed at SEPTA.

investigation2024
I-24-0138Cashier Possessed and Pointed a Firearm at Individual inside SEPTA Station – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Nov 2024Investigation1/1

Cashier is no longer employed at SEPTA.

investigation2024
I-23-0393OIG Filed Criminal Summary Citation against Bus Operator for Kicking Woman – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Nov 2024Investigation1/1

Bus Operator was convicted and fined, and discharged from SEPTA.

investigation2024
I-23-0420SEPTA Workers Took Retail Merchandise without Paying from Vending Area at SEPTA Headquarters – Theft (PDF opens in new tab)Oct 2024Investigation1/1

Employee and contractors no longer employed at SEPTA.

investigation2024
A-23-10Pension Administration (PDF opens in new tab)Dec 2024Audit0/17

Management agrees with recommendations.

audit2024
A-24-01Handheld Sales Devices Audit (PDF opens in new tab)Dec 2024Audit0/7

While management agrees with recommendations, management challenged some of the OIG findings. The OIG replied accordingly.

audit2024
I-22-125SEPTA Employee Sought to Purchase an Untraceable Firearm While at Work (PDF opens in new tab)Sep 2023Investigation1/1

Subject is no longer employed at SEPTA.

investigation2023
A-24-07Payroll Administration (PDF opens in new tab)Dec 2024Audit0/9

Management agrees with recommendations.

audit2024
A-24-06Recruitment Process Efficiency Analysis (PDF opens in new tab)Dec 2024Audit0/8

Human Resources engaged an outside consultant and will respond to the OIG’s recommendations thereafter.

audit2024
A-24-05First Party Payments, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) (PDF opens in new tab)Dec 2024Audit0/4

Management agrees with recommendations.

audit2024
A-24-04Form I-9 Compliance Audit (PDF opens in new tab)Oct 2024Audit0/0

Management agrees with recommendations.

audit2024
A-24-03Location Safety Committees Audit (PDF opens in new tab)Nov 2024Audit0/8

Management agrees with recommendations.

audit2024
A-24-02Telework Audit (PDF opens in new tab)Nov 2024Audit0/9

Management agrees with recommendations.

audit2024
A-23-05Overtime Management (PDF opens in new tab)Jul 2024Audit0/3

Management agrees with all recommendation.

audit2024
I-23-0296Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud (PDF opens in new tab)Aug 2024Investigation1/1

Subject was criminally charged for Insurance Fraud and Criminal Attempt. Convicted.

investigation2024
I-22-060Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud (PDF opens in new tab)Jul 2024Investigation1/1

Subject was criminally charged for Insurance Fraud and Criminal Attempt. Convicted.

investigation2024
I-23-0261OIG Issued Traffic Citations to Bus Operator for Multiple Safety Violations while Operating a Bus with Passengers (PDF opens in new tab)Sep 2024Investigation1/1

Employee discharged. Convicted of Texting While Driving.

investigation2024
I-24-0038SEPTA Transportation Manager Abused Sick Time and Submitted Fraudulent Doctor’s Note (PDF opens in new tab)Jul 2024Investigation2/2

Employee discharged.

investigation2024
R-22-01Corporate Card Program (PDF opens in new tab)Oct 2022Review6/6

No evidence of fraud, waste, or abuse.  Management agreed to corrective actions to establish more internal controls.

review
R-22-003Report of Review of Certifications and Recertifications (PDF opens in new tab)Jan 2023Review0/3

Management accepted the OIG’s recommendations and is in the process of implementing changes.

review2023
A-22-05Tools Control (PDF opens in new tab)Dec 2022Audit0/3

Management accepted the OIG’s recommendations and is in the process of implementing changes.

audit
A-22-02Non-Stock Materials (PDF opens in new tab)Nov 2022Audit0/3

Management will implement a related action plan.

audit
I-22-052Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud (PDF opens in new tab)Nov 2022Investigation1/1

Individual who made false injury claim to SEPTA was criminally charged.

investigation
A-21-01Customized Community Transit (PDF opens in new tab)Nov 2022Audit0/9

Management accepted the OIG’s recommendations and is in the process of implementing changes.

audit
A-22-04SEPTA Key Financial Controls (PDF opens in new tab)Nov 2022Audit0/9

Management accepted the OIG’s recommendations and is in the process of implementing changes.

audit
I-22-093SEPTA Surface Train Operator Assaults Co-Worker in Trolley Yard – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Sep 2022Investigation1/1

Arrest warrant issued for Subject. Subject no longer employed at SEPTA.

investigation
I-21-070Bus Passenger Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision - Insurance Fraud (PDF opens in new tab)Oct 2022Investigation1/1

Arrest warrant was issued on passenger’s false injury claim to SEPTA in the amount of $5,800.

investigation
I-21-059Bus Operator Engaged in Unbecoming Conduct while in SEPTA Uniform (PDF opens in new tab)Aug 2022Investigation1/1

Employee was counseled.

investigation
I-22-053CCT Carriers Failed to Inform Employees of SEPTA's Weapons Prohibition (PDF opens in new tab)May 2022Investigation1/1

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
A-22-01National Transit Database Reporting Process (PDF opens in new tab)Oct 2022Audit2/2

Management accepted the OIG’s recommendations and is in the process of implementing changes.

audit
I-21-034Passenger Made False and Misleading Injury Claims after Minor Bus Collision –Insurance Fraud  (PDF opens in new tab)Sep 2022Investigation1/1

Arrest warrant was issued on passenger’s false injury claim to SEPTA in the amount of approximately $10,000.

investigation
R-22-000Letter Recommendation: Possessing or Carrying of Firearms on SEPTA Property by Contractors/Vendors (PDF opens in new tab)Jan 2022Review2/2

Management has agreed to the OIG recommendations.

review
I-21-066HVAC Specialist Watched Videos on Personal Cell Phone during Work Hours (PDF opens in new tab)Jul 2022Investigation2/2

Subject no longer employed at SEPTA. Management reviewed unauthorized use of personal cell phone policy with all employees on location.

investigation
I-21-046, I-21-065Managers Misused P-Cards for Personal Gain (PDF opens in new tab)Jun 2022Investigation5/5

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
I-21-069Passenger Made False and Misleading Injury Claims after Minor Bus Collision - Insurance Fraud (PDF opens in new tab)Apr 2022Investigation1/1

Arrest warrant was issued on passenger’s false injury claim to SEPTA in the amount of $13,058.

investigation
I-21-064Security Guard Contractor Assaulted Customer - Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Dec 2021Investigation1/1

Subject was arrested, pled guilty to Simple Assault, and was sentenced to 23 months’ imprisonment. Subject was terminated from SEPTA employment.

investigation2021
I-22-025Employee, upon Termination, Threatened Co-Workers - Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Apr 2022Investigation1/1

Former employee ineligible for rehire.

investigation
I-22-050Paratransit Driver Had Improper Verbal Contact with Cognitively Disabled Rider (PDF opens in new tab)Apr 2022Investigation1/1

Subject was permanently disqualified from performing work under SEPTA contract.

investigation
I-22-020Transportation Manager Physically Struck Member of Public – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Mar 2022Investigation1/1

Management discharged the Subject.

investigation
I-21-062, I-22-018Paratransit Driver Had Improper Written and Verbal Contact with Two Cognitively Disabled Riders (PDF opens in new tab)Mar 2022Investigation1/1

Subject was permanently disqualified from performing work under SEPTA contract.

investigation
I-21-056Operator Alighted Bus and Had Physical Altercation with Motorist – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Jan 2022Investigation1/1

Subject was discharged.

investigation
I-21-055Security Guard Contractor Threatened Customer – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Dec 2021Investigation1/1

Subject was terminated.

investigation2021
R-21-53Conflict of Interest Procedures for SEPTA Board Members (PDF opens in new tab)Oct 2021Review4/5

Office of General Counsel and Board Secretary have agreed to corrective actions.

review2021
I-22-103Review of Trespass Fatality on Regional Rail (PDF opens in new tab)Feb 2023Review0/6

See OIG recommendations and Management Responses.

review2023
I-22-076Passenger Charged with Insurance Fraud for Making False and Misleading Injury Claims after a Minor Bus Collision (PDF opens in new tab)Oct 2023Investigation1/1

Subject was criminally charged with Insurance Fraud.

investigation2023
R-23-002Review of Weapons Prohibition Language (PDF opens in new tab)Sep 2023Review3/3

Management agreed with OIG Recommendations.

review2023
A-23-03Seniors Ride Free Audit Report (PDF opens in new tab)Sep 2023Audit14/22

Management agreed with all OIG Recommendations except No. 20.  Management assumes the risk for those recommendations not implemented.

audit2023
I-23-035Three Maintenance Custodians Engaged in Physical Altercation, Resulting in Stabbing – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Jul 2023Investigation4/4

Maintenance Custodian was criminally charged.

investigation2023
I-22-118SEPTA Overhead Maintainer Took, without Permission, Personal Tool of Co-Worker (PDF opens in new tab)Jul 2023Investigation1/1

See OIG recommendations.

investigation2023
R-23-03Letter Recommendation for Social Media Posts by SEPTA Employees that Violate SEPTA Rules and Policies (PDF opens in new tab)Mar 2023Review0/0

See OIG recommendations.

review2023
I-23-022Two SEPTA Railroad Employees Harassed Other Employees and Lied to the OIG (PDF opens in new tab)Jun 2023Investigation2/2

Railroad Engineer was discharged.

investigation2023
I-22-051Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud (PDF opens in new tab)Jul 2023Investigation1/1

SUBJECT was criminally charged with Insurance Fraud.

investigation2023
I-21-038Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud (PDF opens in new tab)Jul 2023Investigation1/1

SUBJECT was criminally charged with Insurance Fraud.

investigation2023
A-23-02ESMS-Berridge Shop Audit (PDF opens in new tab)Jun 2023Audit15/15

Management agrees with the recommendations and will implement a related action plan.

audit2023
A-23-01ESMS-Wayne Shop Audit (PDF opens in new tab)Jun 2023Audit15/15

Management agrees with the recommendations and will implement a related action plan.

audit2023
A-22-03Overtime Management Audit (PDF opens in new tab)Jun 2023Audit0/4

Management agrees with the recommendations and will implement a related action plan.

audit2023
I-21-031Mechanic Made Nonconsensual Recording during Work Meeting (PDF opens in new tab)Dec 2021Investigation1/1

Employee was issued a written warning.

investigation2021
R-22-002Review of Blanket Purchase Orders (PDF opens in new tab)Jul 2023Review0/3

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.

review2023
I-22-111Station Cashier Engaged in Physical Altercation with Riders – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Mar 2023Investigation1/1

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.

investigation2023
I-22-115Maintenance Custodian Took a Union Fundraiser Item from SEPTA Property – Theft (PDF opens in new tab)Apr 2023Investigation1/1

Employee was terminated and is ineligible for re-hire.

investigation2023
I-23-019SEPTA Contractor Assaulted and Threatened Philadelphia Merchant – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)May 2023Investigation1/1

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.

investigation2023
I-22-124Three Contractors Fight in SEPTA Station on Two Consecutive Days – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Jun 2023Investigation1/1

All three contractors were terminated and are ineligible for hire on any SEPTA contract or in any capacity at SEPTA.

investigation2023
I-22-078Job Applicant for SEPTA Employment Arrested by OIG for Identity Theft (PDF opens in new tab)Mar 2023Investigation1/1

Pled Guilty to Identity Theft and Falsely Pretends to Hold a Professional License; sentenced to 18 months’ probation; ineligible for hire. View press release.

investigation2023
A-22-10Quality Assurance Inspection Process (PDF opens in new tab)Mar 2023Audit0/9

Management agrees and will implement the action plan in 2023.

audit2023
I-22-092Security Guide Contractor Engaged in Physical Altercation with Rider – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Mar 2023Investigation1/1

Contractor ineligible for SEPTA employment or contractor.

investigation2023
I-22-129Storekeeper Possessed an Unauthorized Firearm on SEPTA Property – Workplace Violence (PDF opens in new tab)Jan 2023Investigation1/1

Employee was discharged.

investigation2023
I-22-009Employee at SEPTA Headquarters Sent Inappropriate Emails (PDF opens in new tab)Jan 2023Investigation2/2

Employee was counseled on SEPTA policies and workplace behavior.

investigation2023
I-22-029Subway-Elevated Train Operator Failed to Disclose Criminal Charges and Arrest and Submitted Doctor’s Note Based on False Pretenses (PDF opens in new tab)Dec 2022Investigation1/1

Management accepted and implemented the OIG’s recommendations.

investigation