After 40 years of dedicated service, Jackie Pettyjohn, SEPTA’s first female train engineer, has retired. Pettyjohn’s final trip on January 10, 2025, from Philadelphia International Airport to Suburban Station marked the end of a remarkable career. As she stepped off the train, she was warmly greeted by a crowd of friends, family, and coworkers, who showed their appreciation for her groundbreaking work in the male-dominated field of train engineering.
A Legacy of Dedication and Excellence
During her 40 years at SEPTA, Pettyjohn not only broke new ground as the first woman to take on the role of a train engineer but also built an exceptional career defined by professionalism and dedication. Known for her flawless attendance record, Pettyjohn never missed a day of work. She also maintained a perfect track record with no operating rule violations, earning a spot at the top of the seniority roster.
Her work ethic and achievements have made her an inspiration for many. According to SEPTA’s statement, “Jackie Pettyjohn was a trailblazer for female train engineers.” Over the years, her story has encouraged other women to pursue careers in the industry. Today, there are 35 women among the 202 train engineers working for SEPTA, a testament to Pettyjohn’s influence.
The Road to Becoming a Trailblazer
Jackie Pettyjohn’s journey began in 1984 when she saw an advertisement for the position of train engineer in the Philadelphia Inquirer. She quickly applied, and just a few weeks later, she was hired by SEPTA. Pettyjohn was not deterred by the challenges she faced, including skepticism from some colleagues who were surprised to see a woman in what had traditionally been a male-dominated profession.
Reflecting on her early years as a trailblazer, Pettyjohn recalled the pressure of being the first woman in the role. “I felt like all eyes were on me,” she said in a 2017 interview. “It took a while for me to become comfortable, especially with some of the older engineers who were reluctant to work with me.” However, her persistence paid off, and she soon earned the respect of her peers.
An Outpouring of Love and Gratitude
On her final day, the community’s reaction to Pettyjohn’s retirement was overwhelming. As she stepped off the train for the last time, she was met with cheers, applause, and balloons. “I was shocked,” Pettyjohn shared with NBC10. “When I went home, it just hit me. I cried Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday. I couldn’t believe the outpouring of love they had for me.” The affection from the community reflected the deep impact Pettyjohn had on those she worked with over the years.
Looking Forward to Retirement
After four decades of service, Pettyjohn plans to focus on traveling and spending quality time with her family in retirement. While SEPTA may be losing its first female train engineer, the legacy she leaves behind is one of perseverance, excellence, and inspiration for future generations of women in the industry.
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