While they were installed last October, not many riders noticed them since they arrived mid-pandemic when ridership was at an all-time low. Now, as more riders have returned, they have criticized SEPTA for replacing sitting benches with standing ones...

Busch said there were several factors that led SEPTA to install the leaning benches, including improving foot traffic flow, making the stations easier to clean and promoting social distancing...

Internal documents obtained by VICE allegedly suggest that the transit agency also was possibly motivated by deterring people experiencing homelessness from sleeping on benches.