Police: SEPTA bus drivers targeted and robbed at gunpoint

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - SEPTA bus drivers want protection after a pair of bus operators were robbed at gunpoint. Police say they believe the same suspect is behind it.

For SEPTA bus operators who work out of the Comly District in the Northeast these are scary times. Twice in the last few weeks operators have been robbed at gunpoint on their way to work here.

Carl Greer has been operating a SEPTA bus for 17 years. He also represents SEPTA employees here. He says coming to work is getting very dangerous.

"We're not allowed to carry weapons to defend ourselves," he told FOX 29.

The first robbery happened two weeks ago when an operator was approached by a man with a black handgun who then stole his phone, according to police. On Friday, a female operator was held-up and cash was stolen. Police believe it could be the same suspect.

Two weeks ago, another septa operator on his way to work was shot during a robbery in Strawberry Mansion. SEPTA employees say they need better protection.

"Transit police or Philadelphia police should patrol this area particularly during the times when we come into work and times that we leave."