Please be mindful of your fellow passengers when talking, using cell phones or listening to personal music devices.

That’s the message SEPTA is stressing to customers during September as part of the transit authority’s Passenger Etiquette Program. SEPTA is asking passengers to avoid talking loudly or using abusive language; practice cell phone courtesy by refraining from shouting and setting your device to vibrate; and while listening to music on headphones, keep the volume at a reasonable level so as not to disturb other customers.

“The quality of each SEPTA ride depends on a partnership between customers and employees, one built on mutual respect and courtesy for each other,” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey.

Developed from passenger input through SEPTA Web site surveys, Customer Service calls, letters and e-mails, the Passenger Etiquette Program educates our valued riders with helpful tips to insure a comfortable ride. Each month a new theme will be introduced. In August, SEPTA emphasized passenger-to-passenger courtesy with seating, particularly keeping spaces open for seniors, those with disabilities and parents with small children.

SEPTA has always had rules for riding. The Passenger Etiquette Program links SEPTA’s overall Goal of customer service excellence to a visual and colorful outreach campaign. Riders will notice posters, carcards and flyers with general reminders on riding manners, as well as tips specifically addressing the concerns of bus, trolley, subway and regional rail customers.

The campaign comes as passengers continue to embrace the newly enacted QuietRide Car program on the Regional Rail system. The program helps create a comfortable riding environment by addressing intrusive cell phone and rider conversations and offers a noise-free riding option on peak hour trains.

For more information on the Passenger Etiquette Program, visit www.septa.org/service/rideguide/etiquette.html. For service information, contact SEPTA Customer Service at 215-580-7800.