Scott Sauer stands as a pivotal figure within the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), bringing over three decades of dedicated service and a profound understanding of transit operations and safety to his role. His journey within SEPTA showcases a remarkable ascent from a Surface Train Operator in 1990 to his current position as Chief Operating Officer, reflecting his deep commitment to public transportation in Philadelphia and the surrounding region.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Robert, a 30-year veteran of the Philadelphia Transportation Company and SEPTA, Sauer embodies a second-generation passion for transit. His early career involved mastering various operational roles, quickly becoming cross-qualified in light rail and bus operations. He further progressed through positions such as Subway/Elevated Train Operator, Transportation Manager, and Safety Officer, gaining a comprehensive perspective on the multifaceted operations of SEPTA.
A significant turning point in Sauer’s career came in 2013 when he was appointed Assistant General Manager, System Safety. In this crucial role, he spearheaded the development and implementation of essential safety initiatives. These included the System Safety Program Plan, the Emergency Management Plan, and the Accident & Illness Prevention Plan, all designed to bolster the safety and security of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s extensive network and its passengers.
Continuing his upward trajectory, Sauer was promoted to Assistant General Manager, Operations in 2017. This expanded his responsibilities to encompass all operational facets of SEPTA, including Transportation, Control Center, Vehicle Maintenance, and Station Cleaning. By 2022, his leadership and expertise led to his appointment as Chief Operating Officer. This promotion further broadened his oversight to include key divisions such as Engineering, Maintenance and Construction, Transit Police, and Capital Programs, making him responsible for a vast scope of SEPTA’s activities.
Sauer’s tenure as a leader at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has been marked by navigating significant challenges. He has expertly guided SEPTA through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersecurity incidents, periods of civil unrest, and ongoing budgetary constraints. Furthermore, he is responsible for managing a substantial $2.5 billion annual budget, strategically allocating resources to transformative projects. These crucial initiatives include the replacement of rail fleets, station accessibility upgrades aimed at achieving full accessibility by 2035, and vital infrastructure improvements designed to enhance SEPTA’s overall reliability and maintain a state of good repair across its system.
Beyond his responsibilities within the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, Scott Sauer is recognized nationally as an expert in transit safety and operations. He actively contributes to the industry through his service on numerous boards and committees. Notably, he served two terms on the Federal Transit Administration’s Transit Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS), including a term as Chairman. He also participates in the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Committee on Transit Safety and Security, the Northeast Corridor Safety and Security Committee, and the Board of Directors for Operation Lifesaver, Inc., a national rail safety organization dedicated to preventing collisions at highway-rail grade crossings. Since 2011, Sauer has also been sharing his expertise as a faculty member in the USDOT TSI Associate Staff Program, where he teaches Transit Rail Incident Investigation and mentors the next generation of transit professionals.
Mr. Sauer’s academic credentials further underscore his expertise. He holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Protection and Safety Management from St. Joseph’s University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He is also a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and a World Safety Organization Certified Safety and Security Director (WSO-CSSD), demonstrating his commitment to professional excellence and continuous development in the field of transportation and safety. Through his extensive experience, dedicated leadership, and commitment to safety and operational excellence, Scott Sauer continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and public transit in the region.
