SEPTA’S COMPETITORS

In 2016, SEPTA experienced a “decline in ridership by nearly 5 million rides (Buses – 3.1 million fewer riders; Trolley’s – 1.38 million fewer riders), or about two percent less than 2015.”

Some believe rideshare companies, taxi’s, and rental bicycles alternatives are contributing to the decline in ridership.

OTHER POSSIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO DECLINE IN RIDERSHIP:

• SEPTA’s minimal digital presence via social media and mobile applications which engages consumers
• A stable economy
• Gasoline prices are low which has increased the availability of disposable income for citizens
• Rideshare Companies (Uber/Lyft) becoming an alternative mean to SEPTA
• Unsatisfied Customers

– Long waiting times

– Bad Weather/ Non-availability of shelter at stops

– Lack of East/West Services that have wait times less than 15 minutes

– Crowding/Overfilled buses, trolley’s, and trains

• Strike:

–The recent SEPTA strike left some consumers stating that they would never ride SEPTA again

– Some former customers have decided to utilize alternative transportation means other than SEPTA

 

COMPETITOR COMPARISON

Competitive Analysis: The greatest takeaway from the analysis identifies that the majority of SEPTA’s competitors have mobile apps or a means to engage their customers via mobile or social media. Our team believes that the development of a mobile app which engages and provides a satisfying user experience could complement SEPTA’s ongoing brand revitalization efforts.