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 | Date | Type | Implemented Recommendations | Comments | hf:tax:report_type | hf:tax:report_year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-23-004 | Use of Non-Revenue Vehicles (NRV) | Feb 2024 | 2024-02-14 | Review | 0/3 | Management agrees with recommendations. | review | 2024 |
| I-22-060 | Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud | Jul 2024 | 2024-07-31 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject was criminally charged for Insurance Fraud and Criminal Attempt. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-23-0261 | OIG Issued Traffic Citations to Bus Operator for Multiple Safety Violations while Operating a Bus with Passengers | Sep 2024 | 2024-09-06 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee discharged. Convicted of Texting While Driving. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-24-0038 | SEPTA Transportation Manager Abused Sick Time and Submitted Fraudulent Doctor’s Note | Jul 2024 | 2024-07-31 | Investigation | 1/2 | Employee discharged. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-23-0326 | Chief Instructor of Welding Training School Falsified Professional Credentials and Training Certifications, and Lied to Management | Sep 2024 | 2024-09-06 | Investigation | 3/3 | Employee discharged. Management agrees with recommendations. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-23-251 | Maintenance Custodian Took Passenger’s Bag, which Allegedly Contained a Firearm, and Committed Overtime Wage Abuse | Jun 2024 | 2024-06-11 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee discharged. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-23-0236 | Bus Operator Carried a Firearm On-Duty and Carelessly Operated a Bus with Passengers Onboard – Workplace Violence | Jun 2024 | 2024-06-26 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee terminated. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-23-166 | Security Guard Contractor Engaged in Gun Shootout with Passenger on Moving Train – Workplace Violence | Jun 2024 | 2024-06-13 | Investigation | 1/1 | Contractor no longer works at SEPTA. | investigation | 2024 |
| A-23-11 | Inventory Management and Valuation | Jun 2024 | 2024-06-01 | Audit | 0/5 | Management agrees with recommendations. | audit | 2024 |
| I-24-0128 | Individual Falsely Claimed to Be a Passenger and Made False Injury Claim after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud | Dec 2024 | 2024-12-02 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject was convicted of Insurance Fraud and sentenced to 5 years’ probation plus fines. | investigation | 2024 |
| A-23-09 | Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program | Feb 2024 | 2024-02-01 | Audit | 0/7 | Management agrees with recommendations. | audit | 2024 |
| A-23-08 | Dependents’ Benefits Eligibility | May 2024 | 2024-05-01 | Audit | 0/4 | Management agrees with recommendations. | audit | 2024 |
| A-23-04 | Leased Vehicle and Equipment | Mar 2024 | 2024-03-01 | Audit | 0/5 | Management agrees with recommendations. | audit | 2024 |
| I-23-0177 | Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud | Apr 2024 | 2024-04-19 | 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 | 2024-02-15 | 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 | 2024-02-13 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee terminated. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-23-0163 | Regional Rail Employee Engaged in Physical Altercation with Multiple Passengers – Workplace Violence | Mar 2024 | 2024-03-14 | 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 | 2024-03-08 | Investigation | 1/1 | 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. | investigation | 2024 |
| A-23-05 | Overtime Management | Jul 2024 | 2024-07-01 | Audit | 0/3 | Management agrees with all recommendation. | audit | 2024 |
| I-24-0020 | Cashier Possessed Firearm in Personal Vehicle on SEPTA Property and Made Multiple False Reports to Police and Management - Workplace Violence | Oct 2024 | 2024-10-30 | Investigation | 1/2 | Employee terminated from SEPTA while under OIG investigation. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-24-0146 | OIG Filed Criminal Summary Citation against SEPTA Employee for Possessing and Intentionally Abandoning a Firearm on SEPTA Property – Workplace Violence | Oct 2024 | 2024-10-17 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee was convicted and fined, and his Firearm Permit was revoked. Employee is no longer employed at SEPTA. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-24-0138 | Cashier Possessed and Pointed a Firearm at Individual inside SEPTA Station – Workplace Violence | Nov 2024 | 2024-11-22 | Investigation | 1/1 | Cashier is no longer employed at SEPTA. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-23-0393 | OIG Filed Criminal Summary Citation against Bus Operator for Kicking Woman – Workplace Violence | Nov 2024 | 2024-11-20 | Investigation | 1/1 | Bus Operator was convicted and fined, and discharged from SEPTA. | investigation | 2024 |
| I-23-0420 | SEPTA Workers Took Retail Merchandise without Paying from Vending Area at SEPTA Headquarters – Theft | Oct 2024 | 2024-10-07 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee and contractors no longer employed at SEPTA. | investigation | 2024 |
| A-23-10 | Pension Administration | Dec 2024 | 2024-12-01 | Audit | 0/17 | Management agrees with recommendations. | audit | 2024 |
| A-24-01 | Handheld Sales Devices Audit | Dec 2024 | 2024-12-01 | Audit | 0/7 | While management agrees with recommendations, management challenged some of the OIG findings. The OIG replied accordingly. | audit | 2024 |
| A-24-07 | Payroll Administration | Dec 2024 | 2024-12-01 | Audit | 0/9 | Management agrees with recommendations. | audit | 2024 |
| A-24-06 | Recruitment Process Efficiency Analysis | Dec 2024 | 2024-12-01 | Audit | 0/8 | Human Resources engaged an outside consultant and will respond to the OIG’s recommendations thereafter. | audit | 2024 |
| A-24-05 | First Party Payments, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Dec 2024 | 2024-12-01 | Audit | 0/4 | Management agrees with recommendations. | audit | 2024 |
| A-24-04 | Form I-9 Compliance Audit | Oct 2024 | 2024-10-01 | Audit | 0/0 | Management agrees with recommendations. | audit | 2024 |
| A-24-03 | Location Safety Committees Audit | Nov 2024 | 2024-11-01 | Audit | 0/8 | Management agrees with recommendations. | audit | 2024 |
| A-24-02 | Telework Audit | Nov 2024 | 2024-11-01 | Audit | 0/9 | Management agrees with recommendations. | audit | 2024 |
| I-23-0296 | Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud | Aug 2024 | 2024-08-16 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject was criminally charged for Insurance Fraud and Criminal Attempt. | investigation | 2024 |
| A-24-08 | Transit Police Internal Affairs Audit | Dec 2024 | 2024-12-01 | Audit | 0/10 | Management agrees with recommendations. | audit | 2024 |
| I-22-076 | Passenger Charged with Insurance Fraud for Making False and Misleading Injury Claims after a Minor Bus Collision | Oct 2023 | 2023-10-18 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject was criminally charged with Insurance Fraud. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-125 | SEPTA Employee Sought to Purchase an Untraceable Firearm while at Work | Sep 2023 | 2023-09-29 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject is no longer employed at SEPTA. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-005 | Security Guard Contractor Assaulted Homeless Individual in SEPTA Station – Workplace Violence | Aug 2023 | 2023-08-23 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject is no longer working as a contractor for SEPTA. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-016 | Contract Security Employees Engaged in Physical Altercation with Rider – Workplace Violence | Aug 2023 | 2023-08-31 | Investigation | 3/3 | Subjects are no longer working as contractors for SEPTA. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-021 | SEPTA Subway-Elevated Train Operator Assaulted Vulnerable Individual on SEPTA Train – Workplace Violence | Aug 2023 | 2023-08-15 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject is no longer employed at SEPTA. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-025 | Mismanagement and Abuse of SEPTA Wages by a Track Manager and Track Employee | Sep 2023 | 2023-09-22 | Investigation | 3/3 | Subject is reimbursing SEPTA for receipt of undue wages. | investigation | 2023 |
| A-23-07 | Transit Police Department’s Administrative Enforcement Notices (AEN) | Dec 2023 | 2023-12-01 | Audit | 0/24 | Management agreed with OIG recommendations. | audit | 2023 |
| R-23-003 | Certificates of Insurance | Nov 2023 | 2023-11-01 | Review | 0/1 | Management agreed with OIG recommendation. | review | 2023 |
| I-22-038 | Security Guard Contractor Committed Lewd Act in Unauthorized Area | Aug 2023 | 2023-08-01 | Investigation | 1/1 | Security Guard contractor no longer working at SEPTA and ineligible for re-hire. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-003 | Bus Operator Sexually Assaulted Co-Worker | Oct 2023 | 2023-10-01 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee was terminated, was criminally charged, and pled guilty to Simple Assault. Employee is ineligible for re-hire. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-023 | Paratransit Driver Inappropriately Leaned into Passenger’s Space | Dec 2023 | 2023-12-01 | Investigation | 1/1 | Contractor was removed from working under SEPTA contract and is ineligible for re-hire by SEPTA. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-030 | Director Abused His Use of the Corporate Card and Lied to OIG | Nov 2023 | 2023-11-10 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject was discharged and Wealth & Welfare Plan benefits were forfeited. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-045 | SEPTA Manager, Using Pseudonyms, Leaked Internal Documents and Communications on Public Social Media Account | Jan 2023 | 2023-01-02 | Investigation | 2/2 | Employee terminated. | investigation | 2023 |
| R-23-002 | Review of Weapons Prohibition Language | Sep 2023 | 2023-09-06 | Review | 0/3 | Management agreed with OIG Recommendations. | review | 2023 |
| A-23-03 | Seniors Ride Free Audit Report | Sep 2023 | 2023-09-01 | Audit | 0/22 | Management agreed with all OIG Recommendations except No. 20. | audit | 2023 |
| R-22-003 | Report of Review of Certifications and Recertifications | Jan 2023 | 2023-01-17 | Review | 0/3 | Management accepted the OIG's recommendations and is in the process of implementing changes. | review | 2023 |
| I-22-009 | Employee at SEPTA Headquarters Sent Inappropriate Emails | Jan 2023 | 2023-01-31 | Investigation | 2/2 | Employee was counseled on SEPTA policies and workplace behavior. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-129 | Storekeeper Possessed an Unauthorized Firearm on SEPTA Property – Workplace Violence | Jan 2023 | 2023-01-31 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee was discharged. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-092 | Security Guide Contractor Engaged in Physical Altercation with Rider – Workplace Violence | Mar 2023 | 2023-03-17 | Investigation | 1/1 | Contractor ineligible for SEPTA employment or contractor. | investigation | 2023 |
| A-22-10 | Quality Assurance Inspection Process | Mar 2023 | 2023-03-01 | Audit | 0/9 | Management agrees and will implement the action plan in 2023. | audit | 2023 |
| I-22-078 | Job Applicant for SEPTA Employment Arrested by OIG for Identity Theft | Mar 2023 | 2023-03-30 | 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 | 2023 |
| I-22-124 | Three Contractors Fight in SEPTA Station on Two Consecutive Days – Workplace Violence | Jun 2023 | 2023-06-02 | 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-23-019 | SEPTA Contractor Assaulted and Threatened Philadelphia Merchant – Workplace Violence | May 2023 | 2023-05-16 | 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-22-115 | Maintenance Custodian Took a Union Fundraiser Item from SEPTA Property – Theft | Apr 2023 | 2023-04-07 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee was terminated and is ineligible for re-hire. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-111 | Station Cashier Engaged in Physical Altercation with Riders – Workplace Violence | Mar 2023 | 2023-03-01 | 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 |
| R-22-002 | Review of Blanket Purchase Orders | Jul 2023 | 2023-07-18 | 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 |
| A-22-03 | Overtime Management Audit | Jun 2023 | 2023-06-01 | Audit | 0/4 | Management agrees with the recommendations and will implement a related action plan. | audit | 2023 |
| A-23-01 | ESMS-Wayne Shop Audit | Jun 2023 | 2023-06-01 | Audit | 0/15 | Management agrees with the recommendations and will implement a related action plan. | audit | 2023 |
| A-23-02 | ESMS-Berridge Shop Audit | Jun 2023 | 2023-06-01 | Audit | 0/15 | Management agrees with the recommendations and will implement a related action plan. | audit | 2023 |
| I-21-038 | Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud | Jul 2023 | 2023-07-26 | Investigation | 1/1 | SUBJECT was criminally charged with Insurance Fraud. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-051 | Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud | Jul 2023 | 2023-07-26 | Investigation | 1/1 | SUBJECT was criminally charged with Insurance Fraud. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-022 | Two SEPTA Railroad Employees Harassed Other Employees and Lied to the OIG | Jun 2023 | 2023-06-13 | Investigation | 2/2 | Railroad Engineer was discharged. | investigation | 2023 |
| R-23-03 | Letter Recommendation for Social Media Posts by SEPTA Employees that Violate SEPTA Rules and Policies | Mar 2023 | 2023-03-27 | Review | -- | See OIG recommendations. | review | 2023 |
| I-22-118 | SEPTA Overhead Maintainer Took, without Permission, Personal Tool of Co-Worker | Jul 2023 | 2023-07-18 | Investigation | 1/1 | See OIG recommendations. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-23-035 | Three Maintenance Custodians Engaged in Physical Altercation, Resulting in Stabbing – Workplace Violence | Jul 2023 | 2023-07-21 | Investigation | 4/4 | Maintenance Custodian was criminally charged. | investigation | 2023 |
| I-22-103 | Review of Trespass Fatality on Regional Rail | Feb 2023 | 2023-02-01 | Review | 0/6 | See OIG recommendations and Management Responses. | review | 2023 |
| A-22-01 | National Transit Database Reporting Process | Oct 2022 | 2022-10-01 | Audit | 2/2 | 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 | 2022-09-30 | Investigation | 1/1 | Arrest warrant issued for Subject. Subject no longer employed at SEPTA. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-21-034 | Passenger Made False and Misleading Injury Claims after Minor Bus Collision – Insurance Fraud | Sep 2022 | 2022-09-06 | 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 | 2022-10-18 | 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 | 2022-07-27 | 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 | 2022-06-21 | 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-21-069 | Passenger Made False and Misleading Injury Claims after Minor Bus Collision - Insurance Fraud | Apr 2022 | 2022-04-25 | Investigation | 1/1 | Arrest warrant was issued on passenger’s false injury claim to SEPTA in the amount of $13,058. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-22-025 | Employee, upon Termination, Threatened Co-Workers - Workplace Violence | Apr 2022 | 2022-04-22 | 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 | 2022-04-29 | 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 | 2022-03-22 | 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 | 2022-03-09 | 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 | 2022-01-10 | Investigation | 1/1 | Subject was discharged. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-22-053 | CCT Carriers Failed to Inform Employees of SEPTA's Weapons Prohibition | May 2022 | 2022-05-12 | 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 |
| I-21-059 | Bus Operator Engaged in Unbecoming Conduct while in SEPTA Uniform | Aug 2022 | 2022-08-26 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee was counseled. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-21-070 | Bus Passenger Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision - Insurance Fraud | Oct 2022 | 2022-10-26 | Investigation | 1/1 | Arrest warrant was issued on passenger’s false injury claim to SEPTA in the amount of $5,800. | investigation | 2022 |
| A-22-04 | SEPTA Key Financial Controls | Nov 2022 | 2022-11-01 | Audit | 0/9 | Management accepted the OIG’s recommendations and is in the process of implementing changes. | audit | 2022 |
| A-21-01 | Customized Community Transit | Nov 2022 | 2022-11-01 | Audit | 0/9 | Management accepted the OIG’s recommendations and is in the process of implementing changes. | audit | 2022 |
| I-22-052 | Individual Made False Injury Claims after Minor Collision – Insurance Fraud | Nov 2022 | 2022-11-22 | Investigation | 1/1 | Individual who made false injury claim to SEPTA was criminally charged. | investigation | 2022 |
| A-22-02 | Non-Stock Materials | Nov 2022 | 2022-11-01 | Audit | 0/3 | Management will implement a related action plan. | audit | 2022 |
| A-22-05 | Tools Control | Dec 2022 | 2022-12-01 | Audit | 0/3 | Management accepted the OIG's recommendations and is in the process of implementing changes. | audit | 2022 |
| -- | Letter Recommendation: Possessing or Carrying of Firearms on SEPTA Property by Contractors/Vendors | Jan 2022 | 2022-01-19 | 2/2 | 2022 | |||
| 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 | 2022-12-13 | Investigation | 1/1 | Management accepted and implemented the OIG’s recommendations. | investigation | 2022 |
| I-21-064 | Security Guard Contractor Assaulted Customer - Workplace Violence | Dec 2021 | 2021-12-20 | 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-21-031 | Mechanic Made Nonconsensual Recording during Work Meeting | Dec 2021 | 2021-12-10 | Investigation | 1/1 | Employee was issued a written warning. | investigation | 2021 |
| I-21-055 | Security Guard Contractor Threatened Customer – Workplace Violence | Dec 2021 | 2021-12-17 | 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 | 2021-10-22 | Review | 4/5 | Office of General Counsel and Board Secretary have agreed to corrective actions. | review | 2021 |