SEPTA has issued a request for proposals from contractors to handle leasing services and tenant management in order to increase the transit agency’s bottom line, The Philadelphia Business Journal reported.
Because the sale of physical tickets is down, many ticket offices are largely underused. In September 2024, SEPTA officials announced the closure of the Elkins Park, Hatboro, Fort Washington, and Wyndmoor offices for that reason.
SEPTA Real Estate Operations Manager Casey Everlof used Elcy’s Cafe in Glenside, which leases from SEPTA a small building attached to the station, as an example of potential alternatives.
“It’s so cute and welcoming,” Everlof told The Journal. “I wish all of our stations looked like that one. I think that would be awesome.”
The push for more non-fare revenue stems from SEPTA’s ongoing financial struggles, in part due to diminished federal funding. In September 2025, SEPTA asked Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration to authorize about $400 million in funds intended for capital projects to help restore service and avoid service reductions for the next two years.
The transit agency also has plans for multifamily residential buildings on SEPTA-owned properties at several regional rail stations. The land lease with developers is intended to increase revenue, and more residents near train stations is meant to boost ridership, The Journal said.
The deadline to submit proposals is Friday, August 21.
SEPTA Assistant Treasurer Michael Kendall told The Journal that leasing unused properties would raise money that can be redirected toward safer service. To that end, SEPTA transit police reported in late July a 21% reduction in serious crimes in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, including a 40% decrease in aggravated assaults.
“SEPTA continues to focus and invest resources on recruiting and retaining Transit Police Officers,” the announcement says. “The Transit Police force now has 220 officers – six over the budgeted headcount.”
“Transit Police played a critical role in ensuring that more than 155,000 fans who took the B after the six World Cup matches had a safe and positive experience on our system,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “This was the largest security posture in Transit Police history with enhanced foot patrols, K9 units, and real-time monitoring by our Virtual Patrol to manage the massive crowds at NRG Station, and it was a huge success.”
In related news, the implementation of Phase 1 of the New Bus Network includes a number of route changes that will begin on August 23 and 24.
Among those changes, Route 72 will connect the Frankford Transit Center and Cedarbrook Plaza in Cheltenham Township, according to a news release.
For more information on Phase 1 changes, you can visit the New Bus Network Phase 1 changes page.
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