Philadelphia Braces for Potential SEPTA Strike Impacting Thousands of Students and Commuters

A looming transit workers strike by the Transport Workers Union Local 234 could significantly impact the City of Philadelphia, particularly affecting thousands of public school students and daily commuters. The contract between SEPTA and the union expires on Thursday at 11:59 p.m., and if no agreement is reached, the strike could begin as soon as Friday.

The strike, authorized by the union last month, is driven by concerns over transit safety and the lack of progress in salary negotiations. SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch highlighted the severe social and economic impact a strike would have, noting that it would halt operations of city bus, trolley, and subway services, including the Market-Frankford Line and Broad Street Line. However, Regional Rail, Suburban Transit, LUCY, and CCT Connect services would continue to operate as usual.

The School District of Philadelphia is particularly concerned, as nearly 55,000 students rely on SEPTA to get to school each day. Superintendent Tony Watlington expressed hope that the strike could be avoided to maintain normal school operations and support the students’ social, emotional, and academic needs without disruption. The district has assured that students who are late or absent due to SEPTA-related travel issues would not be marked late.

The union is seeking better wages and improved safety measures, citing recent incidents such as shootings on SEPTA buses that left three women injured. SEPTA’s ongoing funding crisis, exacerbated by the end of federal COVID relief funds and lower ridership levels, has complicated the negotiations. SEPTA CEO Leslie Richards, who is set to step down on November 29, has emphasized the financial constraints facing the agency.

If the strike occurs, it would be the latest in a series of labor disputes involving SEPTA. Last year, a strike was avoided after a last-minute deal, and in previous years, strikes have resulted in significant disruptions to the city’s transportation network. The union and SEPTA officials are working around the clock to reach a deal, but the outcome remains uncertain.