SEPTA's Improved Customer Service Allows Riders to Discover Renewed Independence

Then the unthinkable happened - her condition worsened. Her already debilitating disease became life-threatening. "I had problems at times in the past receiving adequate assistance from SEPTA making getting around even more difficult," Barbara said. For years, she felt as though she was a virtual prisoner in her own home.

Years later her condition improved enough and she thought to again call the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and inquire about CCT Connect ADA Paratransit eligibility. "I was 'wowed' off of my chair!" she said. "The SEPTA Customer Service Department was kind, polite, knowledgeable and respectful...helping me to get the answers I needed about re-applying."

Barbara is just one of thousands of individuals who are rediscovering the possibilities accessible SEPTA fixed route and CCT Connect service offers.

"We are committed to exceptional customer service, safety, on-time performance and cleanliness," SEPTA GM Joseph Casey said. "We hope more individuals realize that living more independently can be just a phone call or a click of the mouse away. SEPTA is aggressively working to improve our customer service, stations and vehicles to make the traveling experience more convenient, comfortable, and accessible for all our passengers."

Ridership among customers with disabilities has grown tremendously since SEPTA fixed route service became 100% accessible in 2004. Since that time customers using wheelchairs/scooters has quadrupled. As part of complying with guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), SEPTA has implemented an aggressive program which includes facility enhancements, new vehicles, elevators, escalators, and ramps.

For individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using regular fixed route service, SEPTA continues to schedule approximately 7,000 ADA paratransit trips each weekday via its CCT Connect program which encompasses SEPTA's five-county service area.

"I know that improvements at SEPTA come from the top," Barbara beamed. "It is because of good management and employees that are always willing to improve, that I can now look forward to greater mobility.

"Thank you!"

For more information, call the SEPTA Customer Service Department at (215) 580-7800, SEPTA CCT Connect for paratransit service at (215) 580- 7145, or visit www.septa.org.

SOURCE SEPTA

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Copyright © 2009, NewsBlaze, Daily News

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