Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Sgt. Daniel Caban and Officer Darrell James joined the delivery-in-progress shortly before 6 p.m. Thursday at the 15th and Market streets station.
They coached the woman through the delivery, unwrapped the umbilical cord from the baby’s neck and placed the boy in her arms. The baby’s father wrapped him in a shirt to keep warm.
“Everything just happened so quick, but it was amazing,” James told WCAU-TV.
The mother and newborn were taken to Hahnemann University Hospital, where they were reported in good condition.
SEPTA police Chief Thomas Nestel III tweeted his excitement over the birth, writing: “Transit Police SGT and PO deliver baby on Market Frankford El train!!!! WOOHOO!!! Now that’s a Christmas gift!!!”
Later, the chief joked that he had waived the fare for SEPTA’s “newest rider.”
James, a father, called the birth a blessing. Caban said helping to bring a new life into the world was a gift all its own.
“I had already opened all my presents,” Caban told WPVI-TV. “I didn’t know I had another one waiting for me around 5:53 this afternoon.”