SEPTA workers hope jackpot trickles down as jobs

At least some of the less-lucky co-workers of 48 Philadelphia transit employees who won a $172.7 million jackpot this week are hoping the big pay day trickles down — in the form of new vacancies.

Officials at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority say the employees who hold the winning ticket in Wednesday’s drawing wish to remain anonymous but co-workers joined in the celebrations as word spread at the agency’s headquarters on Thursday.

SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney says co-workers were so happy for a longtime custodial employee they formed an archway with their hands for him to run under.

 

Maloney says he doesn’t expect all the winners to suddenly retire, though. If they take the $107.5 million lump-sum, the payout will be about $2 million each. And that’s before taxes.