File photo.
SEPTA will lift passenger capacity limits on vehicles starting Tuesday, June 1.
SEPTA officials said the capacity limits will be lifted, but mask requirements for customers and employees will remain in place.
The lifting of capacity limits will take place the day after Pennsylvania removes all COVID-19 mitigation measures, aside from the masking requirement for unvaccinated people.
SEPTA has imposed capacity limits since last spring.
“SEPTA’s decision to lift passenger capacity limits comes as new reported cases of COVID-19 continue to drop across the region and vaccination rates rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the City of Philadelphia are easing capacity-related restrictions,” the regional transit agency said in a statement.
“Removing vehicle capacity limits to meet increased ridership demand is a major step in the region’s recovery,” said SEPTA General Manager Leslie Richards. “We are grateful for our riders who counted on SEPTA throughout the pandemic, and we are excited to safely welcome back those who may be taking the system for the first time in over a year.”
SEPTA officials said the have inspected ventilation on its modes of transportation and upgraded some air filters.
“SEPTA’s vehicles are very well ventilated – air fully changes on all vehicles every two-to-three minutes, due to a combination of efficient HVAC systems and doors opening frequently for customers to board and exit. This rate of air exchange far exceeds CDC recommendations for indoor public spaces,” as statement said.
SEPTA has added new online tool to give riders information about seat availability as they plan their trips.
See also:
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SEPTA Paper Tickets Ending On Regional Rail Friday
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Details of Lansdale Train Accident Released
