SEPTA on Strike as Phillies Head to NYC

As of 3 AM, with SEPTA on strike, most SEPTA services in Philadelphia ceased as bus, trolley and subway operators hit the picket lines. SEPTA's largest union, SEPTA Transport Workers Union Local 243, had promised not to strike during the World Series, but with the quick exit of the Phillies, it was strike on.

Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter responded to the news of SEPTA on strike by blasting the union for what he called a "surprise" strike. As he noted, “People had already gone to bed. Some people were already at their job. To find out you can’t get home is the height of the lack of consideration.”

Additionally, with a SEPTA on strike, some will find it difficult, if not impossible, to make it to the polls. Election Day is November 3, 2009, and while not a major election in terms of the presidency or Congress, it's still an election day.

Just to be clear, while SEPTA is on strike as of last night, Regional Rail, Paratransit and other services outside the city continued to run. Many riders are turning to passenger Regional Rail trains.

Governor Ed Rendell joined Mayor Nutter in hitting back as the "SEPTA on strike" news spread. He noted that the union is unrealistic in its demands, and is not recognizing the fact that there is a recession on.

He called the "surprise strike" very foolish. Many commuters, already not sympathetic of the union, did not take the news of "SEPTA on strike" very well.

With SEPTA on strike, the transit agency recommends that commuters visit its website at http://www.septa.org/sip/index.html. The site will be updated with the latest news on slowdowns. SEPTA already notes regional rail may be running 20 minutes late.