Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management MaryAnn E. Tierney and SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey said that SEPTA alerts are now offered through ReadyNotifyPA, the City of Philadelphia's emergency text and e-mail alert system. The new alerts will provide SEPTA riders with another avenue to receive real-time information on delays and service interruptions. The announcement came during a press conference on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 in SEPTA's Control Center.

Casey explained that riders can select any or all of the SEPTA alerts available through ReadyNotifyPA - the Broad Street Line, Market-Frankford Line, Norristown High Speed Line, Regional Rail, Trolley and Bus routes. Riders who sign up for SEPTA alerts can choose to receive the alerts 24-hours a day or weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

"We are thrilled to be part of ReadyNotifyPA," Casey said. "It provides SEPTA with another avenue to communicate with our customers and provide them with real-time transit alerts."

From its Control Center, SEPTA currently sends out travel alerts and transit delays through its website and Twitter feed. In an effort to reach more riders and further the goal of creating a one-stop-shop for emergency-related alerts and notifications, SEPTA and the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management have joined forces to offer SEPTA alerts to riders in Southeastern Pennsylvania through ReadyNotifyPA.

"ReadyNotifyPA has proven to be a valuable public notification tool for people who live, work and visit Philadelphia," Tierney said. "Since we first launched ReadyNotifyPA in 2008, the type of alerts offered continues to grow. Providing SEPTA alerts is a great service to the public, whether it's during emergency or non-emergency situations."