PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The SEPTA Board has locked in general manager Scott Sauer with a new three-year contract.
Last year was a tough one for SEPTA, with the transit agency threatening deep service cuts and much of its Regional Rail fleet sidelined after five on-board fires. At Thursday’s meeting, SEPTA Board chair Ken Lawrence said he is confident that Sauer, the general manager who led the transit agency through it all, is the right leader.
“Since his appointment, Scott has led with a steady hand and with optimism and enthusiasm in the face of unprecedented challenges,” said Lawrence.
The board approved a three-year contract that would pay Sauer $395,000 a year. Sauer was appreciative.
“I’d also like to take a moment to thank this board on their continued confidence in me with the agreement you voted on earlier,” he said. “Your leadership, your counsel and your support of me and the entire SEPTA system would be the envy of any chief executive, so thank you.”
Sauer is a 35-year SEPTA veteran, starting his career as a trolley operator.
When he was named SEPTA GM last June in the middle of a budget crisis, he continued to be paid the $300,000 salary he was earning previously as chief operating officer.
Sauer replaced Leslie Richards, who was making $425,000 a year, when she left as GM at the end of 2024.