Effect of public transit on crime: evidence from SEPTA strikes in Philadelphia

Abstract

We use the temporary closings of subway stations in Philadelphia to examine the effects of public transit on crime in the nearby communities. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), a regional public transportation authority in Philadelphia, has experienced two labor strikes occurring in 2009 and 2016. During these two strikes, public transit was disrupted for nearly 1 week. We used the closings of 47 subway stations during strikes to evaluate the place-based effect of public transit on crime. We also examined whether these effects varied with the ridership level in each station. Total crime decreased by 38% within 100 m of the stations when subway stations were closed due to the strike and by 10% within 500 m. The primary drivers of the decrease were violent crimes, including assault and robbery. However, there is no obvious relationship between the closings of stations and the change in property crimes and mischief. In addition, crimes in stations with higher ridership declined less than those in stations with medium ridership when strikes occurred. Public transit in Philadelphia appears to be associated with elevated violent crime in the surrounding community. Areas around subway stations may require greater security to control crime during its operational hours. Passengers may serve as guardians to deter some crimes when the public transit is operational.