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  • SEPTA Photography Policy

  • Discussion relating to Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (Philadelphia Metro Area). Official web site can be found here: www.septa.com. Also including discussion related to the PATCO Speedline rapid transit operated by Delaware River Port Authority. Official web site can be found here: http://www.ridepatco.org/.
Discussion relating to Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (Philadelphia Metro Area). Official web site can be found here: www.septa.com. Also including discussion related to the PATCO Speedline rapid transit operated by Delaware River Port Authority. Official web site can be found here: http://www.ridepatco.org/.

Moderator: AlexC

 #1027777  by AlexC
 
This is the photo policy as of March, 2012. -ed

http://www.septa.org/policy/film.html
Photography & Filming Guidelines
As one of the oldest and largest multi-modal transit systems in the world, the SEPTA system is graced with beautiful, historic and unique architecture and a wide variety of vehicles that attract the interest of visitors from the four corners of the globe - many of whom capture their visits in photographs or in sketch books.
SEPTA welcomes photographers and artists. In return, we simply request they use common sense and courtesy to others in pursuit of their pictures.

Safety

The safety of our customers and employees is paramount throughout the entire SEPTA system. While photography is permitted in clearly defined public areas of the SEPTA system, it obviously cannot be permitted in any manner that would interfere with the safe movement of people or operation of vehicles.

For example, camera lights or flash bulbs should never be aimed in the direction of an oncoming vehicle or used within a moving vehicle. Camera or artist's tripods and other equipment should not be placed in any location that might interfere with the free and safe movement of people or vehicles.

Photography is obviously prohibited in any area of the SEPTA system that is not accessible to the general public.

While the law permits photography of private citizens in public places, common courtesy would have photographers request permission of people before taking their pictures, especially close-ups.

Security

Worldwide terrorist attacks against public transportation facilities in recent years has required a tightening of security procedures at all SEPTA facilities. Security experts consider photographing and sketching public transportation facilities as possible pre-indicators of terrorist activity.

While this unfortunate reality has not resulted in a prohibition of photography, SEPTA Transit Police and other law enforcement are under orders to question anyone taking photographs or sketching transit facilities.

Obviously, these activities are almost always legitimate and that is the end of the issue. However, anyone conducting these activities in unauthorized areas of SEPTA property may be charged and detained for further investigation.

Commercial and Media Photography

Commercial photographers are required to receive written permission, provide liability insurance coverage and meet other policy requirements. All requests must be sent via email to Heather Redfern. Questions and additional information may be discussed with Heather Redfern by telephone at (215) 580-3782.
Media photography requests must be coordinated through the Media Relations Department by calling (215) 580-7842.
http://www.septa.org/policy/film.html
 #1198122  by MACTRAXX
 
AC: I picked up this notice regarding SEPTA Regional Rail photography dated June 27,2013:

TO: Engineers,Conductors,Assistant Conductors,Order Runners and RRD SAM (Station Appearance
Maintainers) SUBJECT: Photography Guidelines

SEPTA welcomes amateur photographers and artists. In return we simply request they use common
sense and courtesy to others in pursuit of photos and short videos for personal use.

While photography is permitted in clearly defined public areas of the SEPTA System,it can not be
permitted in any manner that would interfere with the safe movement of people or operation of
vehicles.

Photography is obviously prohibited in any area of the SEPTA System that is not accessible to the
general public.

Complete details regarding "Photography and Filming Guidelines" can be found on SEPTA's Website
(the link and listing is posted above)

Any questions should be brought to the attention of your immediate supervisor...

Jack Lauser
Senior Director - Railroad Operations

These guidelines concerning photography are always good to know...

MACTRAXX