Scott Sauer named new SEPTA General Manager

PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — SEPTA’s Interim General Manager, Scott Sauer, got a major promotion on Monday: General Manager.

Sauer had previously been serving as SEPTA’s Interim General manager since November 2014, after Leslie Richards announced her departure from the post. Following a nationwide search, Sauer received a unanimous vote from the SEPTA Board on Monday.

In his permanent role, Sauer will continue to oversee the entirety of SEPTA’s operations, including its 9,300 employees.

According to SEPTA, Sauer’s appointment comes at a “pivotal time” as the transit agency is facing a funding crisis for its $213 million structural budget deficit. Fare increases, service cuts, and a 9 p.m. curfew for all rail services are among the items the SEPTA Board will consider for a proposed budget.

“Scott has dedicated nearly 35 years to SEPTA, gaining invaluable experience in every aspect of the organization,” said SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. “Over the last six months, Scott has demonstrated his leadership abilities through this funding crisis, and I am confident that he is the best person to guide SEPTA through these challenging times ahead.”

Sauer’s career with SEPTA began in 1990 as a Surface Train Operator. His late father, Robert, served the Philadelphia Transportation Company and SEPTA for 30 years.

“I am honored to be entrusted with the stewardship of a transit system that is absolutely essential to the region’s success,” Sauer said. “I will continue to commit this organization to a back-to-basics philosophy emphasizing the fundamentals that keep Greater Philadelphia moving each day: safety, customer service, and reliability.”

According to SEPTA, he has served as a Subway/Elevated Train Operator, Transportation Manager, and Safety Officer. Sauer was appointed Assistant General Manager of System Safety in 2013. Four years later, he was promoted to Assistant General Manager of Operations. In 2022, Sauer was named Chief Operating Officer of SEPTA.