SEPTA Announces Contingency Plan

SEPTA has announced its 'Plan B' in case the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 234 and United Transportation Union Local 1594 decide to strike on October 31. The SEPTA website instructs riders to be on the look out for "brochures, leaflets and special schedules" available shortly at stations and customer service locations. You can also see what's what on the SEPTA website.

In a nutshell, though, regional rail trains will still be up and running, as will the LUCY, Horsham Breeze, 204, 314 and the Cornwells Heights Parking Shuttle, and CCT Connect. Everything else will be shut down in the event of a strike -- that includes the Norristown High Speed Line and suburban bus routes.

One of the most important changes to transit that will run is no cash sales will be available aboard regional trains during peak hours -- all tickets must be purchased prior to travel. In addition, SEPTA will implement a queue system for the rail stations within the city limits:

During the PM peak, customers leaving from Market East, Suburban, and 30th Street will be asked to wait in line at the concourse level where fares will be collected prior to boarding. All passes will be subject to inspection and will be validated by SEPTA fare collection personnel.

Not much help to those who have to travel outside the area convenient to regional rail stops. With Philly cab drivers still threatening to strike on October 31, as well, the situation looks bleak. We'll wish fervently for good weather as we hoof or pedal our way around the city should a strike happen.