Safety officials are not taking any major steps to increase SEPTA security after a man was fatally beaten by a gang in a SEPTA station last week. Students, however, say they might take precautions of their own.
The beating occurred in the station located at 13th and Market streets last Wednesday at about 2:45 p.m., and the man, Sean Conroy, died shortly afterward in Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
The incident "was not a matter of SEPTA not being there," said Gary Fairfax, SEPTA spokesman. Fairfax said officers were able to be at the site of the incident "within minutes."
He said that no changes will be made to SEPTA safety procedures, but SEPTA police will continue "regular and consistent patrols."
The Philadelphia Police are not taking any measures to increase security on SEPTA.
"All captains are aware of the incident and are collaborating with SEPTA police, but SEPTA police are in charge of subway patrols," said Lt. Frank Vanore of the Philadelphia Police.
Vanore said this "was a serious incident, but it could have happened anywhere where there are people."
Students said SEPTA safety is a concern, but the beating will not stop them from using public transportation.
College sophomore Ginny Halden, who hadn't heard about this specific incident, said SEPTA security concerns have "always been in the back of my mind."
She said that, although "SEPTA is really convenient and cheap, it is not always my first choice" for transportation.
"When I use public transportation, I try to use it during the day," she added.
College sophomore Chris DiFeliciantonio said he doesn't think he will be hesitant to ride SEPTA in the future.
However, he added that "it is a bit jarring that that happened during the day" and that he will "try to stay in areas with larger groups of people."
This article has been corrected to reflect that Ginny Halden is a sophomore.
