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My $0.02:It will be interesting to see how many more cycle commuters I see on Monday morning. Especially with the morning temps in the low 40's. I know that's not bad for regular bike commuters, but for the average mass transit commuter it will seem too cold for biking. My guess is more poeple will drive and create even more congestion in Philly.
Article from http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/13016233.htm
Posted on Fri, Oct. 28, 2005
City's advice if SEPTA strikes: Trains, bikes or carpools
The managing director said 2,200 parking spaces would be added - and in demand. Contract talks gave little cause for hope.
By L. Stuart Ditzen and Larry King
Inquirer Staff Writers
City Managing Director Pedro A. Ramos said yesterday that in the event of a SEPTA strike on Monday, commuters should plan to ride trains, carpool, or bicycle in and out of Center City.
"If the first time you start thinking about how to get to work is on Monday morning, it's too late," Ramos said at a news conference outside the Municipal Services Building.
Ramos said the city planned to make 2,200 extra parking spaces available on streets and in lots, but he warned that the extra spaces would be filled quickly and that illegally parked cars would be towed.
Yesterday, there was no indication the labor impasse was nearing a resolution. Negotiators for SEPTA, Transport Workers Union Local 234 and United Transportation Union Local 1594 continued to meet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Center City, where they have been encamped since Monday.
The unions, which represent about 5,300 SEPTA employees, have set a contract deadline of 12:01 a.m. Monday and have vowed to strike if there is no deal by then.
If a strike does occur, SEPTA buses, subways, elevated trains and surface trolleys would not operate in the city. Buses and trolleys in SEPTA's Suburban Transit Division also would be idle. About 400,000 riders would be affected.
SEPTA's Regional Rail lines and paratransit vehicles would be running.
In addition to urging the use of rail lines, carpools and bikes, Ramos asked employers to allow employees flexible working hours. Above all, Ramos said, lone commuters should try to avoid driving into Center City.
Ramos said about 200,000 people normally commute to Center City by public transit.
If there is a strike, he said, streets likely will be clogged and parking spaces scarce. Ramos said drivers who blocked intersections would be ticketed.
Locations of 2,200 extra parking spaces are listed on the city Web site www.phila.gov/septa under the heading "Free Parking Opportunities."
Alex Doty, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, said a "valet park" for bicycle riders would operate on the plaza of the Municipal Services Building. He said bikers could park their bikes in a guarded area from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Article from http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/13016233.htm
Posted on Fri, Oct. 28, 2005
City's advice if SEPTA strikes: Trains, bikes or carpools
The managing director said 2,200 parking spaces would be added - and in demand. Contract talks gave little cause for hope.
By L. Stuart Ditzen and Larry King
Inquirer Staff Writers
City Managing Director Pedro A. Ramos said yesterday that in the event of a SEPTA strike on Monday, commuters should plan to ride trains, carpool, or bicycle in and out of Center City.
"If the first time you start thinking about how to get to work is on Monday morning, it's too late," Ramos said at a news conference outside the Municipal Services Building.
Ramos said the city planned to make 2,200 extra parking spaces available on streets and in lots, but he warned that the extra spaces would be filled quickly and that illegally parked cars would be towed.
Yesterday, there was no indication the labor impasse was nearing a resolution. Negotiators for SEPTA, Transport Workers Union Local 234 and United Transportation Union Local 1594 continued to meet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Center City, where they have been encamped since Monday.
The unions, which represent about 5,300 SEPTA employees, have set a contract deadline of 12:01 a.m. Monday and have vowed to strike if there is no deal by then.
If a strike does occur, SEPTA buses, subways, elevated trains and surface trolleys would not operate in the city. Buses and trolleys in SEPTA's Suburban Transit Division also would be idle. About 400,000 riders would be affected.
SEPTA's Regional Rail lines and paratransit vehicles would be running.
In addition to urging the use of rail lines, carpools and bikes, Ramos asked employers to allow employees flexible working hours. Above all, Ramos said, lone commuters should try to avoid driving into Center City.
Ramos said about 200,000 people normally commute to Center City by public transit.
If there is a strike, he said, streets likely will be clogged and parking spaces scarce. Ramos said drivers who blocked intersections would be ticketed.
Locations of 2,200 extra parking spaces are listed on the city Web site www.phila.gov/septa under the heading "Free Parking Opportunities."
Alex Doty, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, said a "valet park" for bicycle riders would operate on the plaza of the Municipal Services Building. He said bikers could park their bikes in a guarded area from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.