The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in Philadelphia marked the 50th anniversary of its first organizational meeting on Feb. 18.

The authority will continue the ­celebration throughout the year, ­inviting riders to share their “first ride on SEPTA” stories at a special website and show­casing moments from the past 50 years at the agency's website.

“We often receive calls from the public and media about a place to access photos and information about the authority’s history, but we never hosted a formal place for this. With this anniversary, we look forward to building and enriching an archive with the help of our ­riders, friends, and neighbors,” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey. “In addition to their contributions, we’re asking the public and the press to keep an ear out for additional celebrations and festivities as the year moves forward.”

The formation of SEPTA came at a time when ­public transportation in the ­Philadelphia region was failing. Nearly bankrupt transit and rail companies were looking to exit the passenger business altogether. The need for government inter­vention and the establishment of a ­permanent body to run urban mass transit and coordinate regional ­service was apparent.

The initial purpose of SEPTA was to plan, develop, and coordinate a regional transportation system for ­Philadelphia, Bucks, ­Chester, Delaware, and ­Montgomery counties. Beginning with the absorption of the ­Philadelphia Transit Company in September 1968, SEPTA has evolved into the sixth ­largest U.S. public transpor­tation system, ­operating bus, subway, trolleybus, and commuter rail.