Thousands of SEPTA workers officially went on strike Tuesday right after midnight, bringing all city buses, trolleys, and subways to a halt that could last through Election Day, according to reports.
Some 4,700 workers who are members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 could not come to a labor agreement with SEPTA, resulting in the strike.
What does that mean for you? Expect a pretty rough commute until negotiations are reached. No local lines are running, although the Regional Line and New Jersey’s Patco Line are not affected.
Fortunately, some other modes of transportation are offering deals that will, hopefully, make your life a little easier during the strike.
$5 Zipcars
There will be $5 hourly reservations available for more than 100 Zipcars near SEPTA stops. The deal is valid through November 4.
And should the strike last through Election Day, 300 Zipcars will be completely free on November 8 from 6 to 10 p.m. so that people can get to the polls.
Don't let the #SEPTA strike ruin your morning https://t.co/Zg5E2KqBg5 into work with cars starting as low as $5/hour https://t.co/WOOn0dxNsy
— Zipcar Philadelphia (@ZipcarPhilly) November 1, 2016
We're just gonna leave this here. November 8 • 6pm-10pm #DRIVEtheVOTE #USA pic.twitter.com/1gN6K5a5QQ
— Zipcar (@Zipcar) November 3, 2016
Bonus Indego Bikeshare bikes
Indego Bikeshare will provide extra bikes to rent and extra bike parking at certain stops in Philly: 18th & JFK; 23rd & South; 36th & Sansom; 23rd & Fairmount.
Indego will provide surplus bike availability & bike parking at select stations throughout center city. #SEPTAStrike https://t.co/vaAPVZYCI8 pic.twitter.com/r73faoaKBa
— Indego (@RideIndego) November 1, 2016
Discounted Uber rates
UberX fares will be up to 75 percent cheaper during the strike. They’ll also expand their service coverage for uberPOOL to the greater Philadelphia region, Delaware, and New Jersey. Never used Uber before? Newbies can use the discount code PHILLYMOVES for a free ride.
We’re making a commitment to keep Philly moving during the possible SEPTA worker strike. Read about our plan: https://t.co/mOpWa8Y7NW. pic.twitter.com/jcSGLaMxFk
— Uber Philly (@Uber_Philly) October 31, 2016
Free rides with Lyft
Like Uber, the car service Lyft is offering discounts to new users with the code EASYRIDE50. This’ll give you $5 off your first 10 rides. They also have Lyft Line, if you want to split the cost with other users who have similar commute routes.
Parents can also use the code PHILLYSCHOOLS for 50 percent off rides until Friday, November 4.
Worried about the SEPTA strike? Don't worry, Philly - we've got your back. Read our tips on surviving the strike: https://t.co/2nlO5sPlKa pic.twitter.com/uIok2gbiCy
— Lyft Philly (@lyft_philly) October 31, 2016
We can help parents during #SEPTAstrike. Use code PHILLYSCHOOLS for 50% off a line ride this week only. Terms apply: https://t.co/HIfJ3OGnkD pic.twitter.com/5R0MFPqSCv
— Lyft Philly (@lyft_philly) November 2, 2016
Flat-rate parking garages
Parking is banned along Broad Street during the strike, so if you’re driving you might have trouble finding street parking. The Philadelphia Parking Authority is offering $10 flat rates at certain garages in the city.
Don't be caught off-guard if the SEPTA strike takes place. Review this list of parking options before leaving home. https://t.co/EMQOpIRolM
— The PPA (@PhilaParking) October 31, 2016
Visit SEPTA for updates on services throughout the strike.
Do you know of another deal on transportation during the strike?
or leave a comment.