SEPTA Board Appoints Scott A. Sauer As General Manager

Scott A. Sauer

The SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) Board recently voted to appoint Scott A. Sauer as the Authority’s General Manager. He received a unanimous vote from the Board, following a nationwide search for candidates and review process.

Sauer had been serving as Interim General Manager since November 2024. In his permanent role, he will continue to oversee SEPTA’s 9,300 employees and all aspects of the Authority’s operations.

“Sauer takes over at a pivotal time for SEPTA. On June 26, the Board will consider a proposed budget with 45% in service cuts — coupled with major fare increases, workforce reductions and a 9 p.m. curfew for all rail services — to fill a $213 million structural budget deficit,” according to a press release.

“Scott has dedicated nearly 35 years to SEPTA, gaining invaluable experience in every aspect of the organization,” SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. said. “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 started his career with SEPTA in 1990 as a Surface Train Operator. A second-generation transit professional, he follows in the footsteps of his late father, Robert, who 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.”

Over the years, Sauer progressed through roles as a Subway/Elevated Train Operator, Transportation Manager, and Safety Officer. In 2013, he was appointed Assistant General Manager of System Safety, where he developed and implemented critical safety initiatives.

In 2017, Sauer was promoted to Assistant General Manager of Operations, overseeing all operational aspects of SEPTA, including Transportation, Control Center, Vehicle Maintenance, and Station Cleaning. In 2022, Sauer was named Chief Operating Officer, expanding his oversight to include the Engineering, Maintenance, and Construction Division; Transit Police; and Capital Programs.

Sauer is a nationally recognized transit safety and operations expert, serving on multiple industry boards and committees. 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. Visit septa.org.