Several times a week, College freshman Chris Rupe rides a SEPTA train to get to work in Center City. But the subway system, buses and trolleys came to a halt at 12:01 this morning after negotiations between SEPTA and members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 failed. Rupe will now walk 20 minutes from campus to work at 17th and Market streets. The public transit shutdown resulted from a standstill between SEPTA and union workers over establishing a new contract. Contentious issues included health care, work rules and wages. University officials sent an e-mail Thursday to the student body announcing Penn's contingency plans. "In the event of a strike, the University will continue business as usual," the e-mail said. On Penn's Transit Services Web site, a posted letter suggested that commuters walk, bike or ride SEPTA's regional rail lines, which are not affected by the strike. The letter, from Marie Witt, associate vice president of Business Services, and John Heuer, vice president for human resources, also asked administrators to be flexible in adjusting staff hours and suggested that departments help set up employee carpools. Transit Services has responded to the strike by adding shuttle buses for all commuters with PennCards. The new routes include one from the PATCO station at 16th and Locust streets every half hour, starting at 7 a.m. "Our usual [hours are] just 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.," said Kyle Dyer, a dispatcher for Transit Services. "Anything before, during the day up until 5 p.m., is [usually] only for the physically impaired." In response to the strike, shuttle service was opened to all PennCard holders, including affiliates who do not typically hold PennCards but could apply for a temporary one for $15. Additionally, the University Health System is adding three additional shuttle routes. The Loop Through University City buses will continue their usual service. "I think the workers have legitimate grievances," Rupe said. "But it's going to be an inconvenience." Wharton freshman Cyrus Weisberg, who often travels around the city for management-class meetings, agreed. "Seeing as I'm new to Philadelphia, it's kind of hard to get around the city," he said. "SEPTA helps facilitate that." Weisberg said he prefers riding SEPTA trains for several reasons. "Cabs tend to run up a large bill, and walking is obviously time-consuming," he said. "As the weather gets worse, it's not going to be much nicer." Rupe is willing to bear the walk -- for now. "I just hope it doesn't last too long," he said.
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