SEPTA, TWU talking as
deadline loomsBy RAMONA SMITH[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Take a good look at those massive SEPTA buses. Today could be the last
weekday for Philly commuters to ride the subways, trolleys and buses for a
while.
As contract talks rolled on for hours yesterday between the transit
agency and its largest union, riders were starting to make contingency
plans for Monday.
The city transit system could grind to a halt at 12:01 a.m. Monday
unless SEPTA and Transport Workers Union Local 234 can cut a deal.
"We're having to negotiate a contract under the huge back cloud of this
deficit," said SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney, referring to the $70
million hole in the agency's budget that could force fare boosts and
service cutbacks later this year - regardless of the outcome of talks.
Both SEPTA and the TWU have lobbied in Harrisburg for stable transit
funding. Meanwhile, there's been no sign the two sides might extend the
Sunday midnight deadline. The union authorized a strike last weekend.
SEPTA pointed to regional rail lines as the prime alternative for
getting into the city - but admitted that trains will be packed. Some
Center City employers encouraged workers to car pool. Suburban buses will
run but won't cross city limits. SEPTA contracts in the 'burbs are set to
expire April 1 in the Victory District and April 6 in the Frontier
District.
The Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia is starting a "Bike the Strike"
campaign with bicycle shops ready to furnish commuters with air, maps and
other
assistance. | 