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Without workers, transit is nothing. We stand unequivocally in solidarity with Transport Worker Union (TWU) 234 and SMART 1534 operators who have authorized strikes, if progress isn't made with SEPTA management on safety, benefits, and pay. Below, we'll continue updating with a guide for riders to get around and support workers.
UPDATE: As of Friday, 11/15, SEPTA and TWU 234 continue to negotiate, though no deal has been reached. On 11/8, SMART Local 1594 authorized its own strike, covering bus and Norristown High Speed Line operators in Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties. We will update this post as talks continue.
As public transportation advocates, we can hold two truths: that SEPTA doesn't have the state and local funding it needs to succeed, and that SEPTA isn't valuing its frontline workers with the resources it does possess. TWU 234, SMART 1594, and all SEPTA operators deserve safe working conditions, competitive wages and benefits, and the support they need to grow and sustain living wage jobs for their members.
Both issues can be greatly helped by Governor Josh Shapiro with executive action to properly fund the Commonwealth's public transportation.
We stand at the ready to join TWU 234 and SMART 1594 workers on the picket line should a strike be called, until a fair deal is reached. Riders, and the economy of the entire region, will suffer without service. But service can only be delivered when workers are treated with dignity and receive the safety, and family-sustaining wages and benefits they deserve.
HOW WILL I GET AROUND DURING A STRIKE?
Commuters
- Under a TWU 234 strike, all buses, trolleys, BSL, and MFL service in Philadelphia will be closed. Under a SMART 1594 strike, NHSL, and buses and trolleys in Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties will be closed. Regional Rail and Bucks County bus service remains in operation.
- Inquirer explainer; Axios explainer; NBC10 explainer - TWU strike
- Inquirer explainer - SMART strike
- SEPTA service bulletin - TWU & SMART strike
- SEPTA service interruption brochure - TWU & SMART strike
School District of Philadelphia
- As of 5:30pm on November 7, SDP has not announced its formalized contingency plan for students. Absences and tardiness will be excused for travel-related reasons for staff and students. Some schools may move to virtual learning, though none have been confirmed.
- SDP announcement
- Inquirer article with internal sources
Major Universities
- Penn, Temple, and Drexel have announced contingency plans for SEPTA service interruptions. Temple is adding shuttle services, while Penn, CHOP, UPHS, and Drexel are collaborating to expand shuttle service throughout the region for employees during specific times.
- Temple information
- Penn information, with routes covering CHOP, UPHS, and Drexel
- Drexel information
