Scott Sauer stands as a prominent figure in the realm of Southeastern Transportation, dedicating over three decades to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). His journey, starting as a Surface Train Operator in 1990, reflects a deep-seated commitment to public transit and a remarkable ascent through various operational and leadership roles. Following in the footsteps of his father, a 30-year veteran of Philadelphia Transportation Company and SEPTA, Sauer embodies a second-generation passion for ensuring efficient and safe transportation services within the southeastern region of Pennsylvania.
Throughout his career, Sauer’s expertise expanded across multiple facets of SEPTA’s operations. He gained cross-qualification in light rail and bus operations early on, showcasing his adaptability and eagerness to master different transportation modes. Progressing through roles such as Subway/Elevated Train Operator, Transportation Manager, and Safety Officer, Sauer built a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of a large-scale transportation system. His appointment as Assistant General Manager, System Safety in 2013 marked a significant step, where he spearheaded the development and implementation of crucial safety initiatives. These included the System Safety Program Plan, Emergency Management Plan, and Accident & Illness Prevention Plan, all vital for maintaining a secure environment for both passengers and staff within southeastern transportation networks.
In 2017, Sauer’s career trajectory continued upwards with his promotion to Assistant General Manager, Operations. This expanded his purview to oversee all operational aspects of SEPTA, encompassing Transportation, Control Center, Vehicle Maintenance, and Station Cleaning. By 2022, named Chief Operating Officer, Sauer’s leadership further broadened to include Engineering, Maintenance and Construction division, Transit Police, and Capital Programs. His current role underscores his comprehensive responsibility for the smooth and effective functioning of a vast southeastern transportation network.
Sauer’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating SEPTA through considerable challenges. From the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic to cybersecurity incidents, civil unrest, and ongoing budgetary constraints, he has consistently guided the organization with resilience and strategic foresight. Managing a substantial $2.5 billion annual budget, Sauer is also driving transformative projects aimed at modernizing and enhancing southeastern transportation infrastructure. These include rail fleet replacements, station accessibility upgrades to achieve full accessibility by 2035, and essential infrastructure improvements to ensure SEPTA’s continued reliability and state of good repair.
Beyond his contributions to SEPTA and southeastern transportation, Mr. Sauer is recognized nationally as a transit safety and operations expert. His active participation on numerous industry boards and committees, including two terms on the Federal Transit Administration’s Transit Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS), where he also served as Chairman, highlights his influence and expertise. He also contributes to 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. Since 2011, Sauer has further dedicated himself to developing future transit professionals as a faculty member in the USDOT TSI Associate Staff Program, teaching Transit Rail Incident Investigation and sharing his extensive knowledge.
Mr. Sauer’s academic credentials further solidify 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. Furthermore, he is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and a World Safety Organization Certified Safety and Security Director (WSO-CSSD), demonstrating his commitment to the highest standards in safety and operational management within the transportation sector. Scott Sauer’s career is a testament to dedicated leadership and expertise in southeastern transportation, making him a pivotal figure in ensuring the region’s mobility and transit safety.
