2005 Philadelphia Public Transit Strike:
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

This Internet web page provides information on issues relevant to public transportation strike in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania U.S.A., 2005 October 31 to November 7. Most Philadelphia public transit provided by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).

Official Web Site:
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

PATCO High-Speedline of the
Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey

New Jersey Transit

Public Transit - Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Public Transit:
Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT)

The Duquesne Incline, Pittsburgh

Quick-Reference Page - Transportation


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2007 Philadelphia Public Transit Funding Crisis

2007 Pittsburgh Public Transit Funding Crisis:
Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT)

News Articles Regarding Philadelphia [SEPTA] Public Transit Strike - 2005

News Articles Regarding Averted Pittsburgh [PAT] Public Transit Strike - 2005

Philadelphia Mayor Proposes Closing 11 Free Library of
Philadelphia Branches In Response to 2008 Budget Crisis
Closings Include 4 Historic Carnegie Libraries

Sale and Abandonment of Historic Philadelphia Main Post Office
Located Across Market Street from Amtrak's 30th Street Station

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Note: The news reports listed in the news archives are a bibliography of selected news articles and other materials related to the topic indicated. In most cases, clicking on the active link will transfer the full-text version of the news article to your monitor. Although all of these links were good links when originally placed on the web page, as time goes on, you may find that some of these links become dead-links. This occurs as the host periodical transfers the news article from the original URL address to a different address for an archive.

In the case of many periodicals, these news articles would then be available only from a specific free-of-charge or a pay-per-view archive sponsored by that periodical [or the periodical's commercial archive service]. Hence, those articles which cannot be read from this web page could be accessed by accessing the archive of the particular newspaper or magazine of interest.

Otherwise, these articles could be read from microfilm archives, for no charge, at some branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

However, there are active links to the majority of articles cited.


2007 Orange County CA Public Transit Strike

* 2007 July 9 - The Philadelphia Inquirer/AP:
Orange County Commuters Face Bus Strike


2006 Denver Public Transit Strike

* The Rocky Mountain News, Denver --

2006 April 11: Buses, trains running
RTD gets back to work without hitch; commuters relieved

By Kevin Flynn

2006 April 10: RTD back to work
Contract approval a relief to employees and commuters alike

By Julie Poppen

2006 April 8: Contract drivers seek talks
Top-scale workers receive $16 an hour after decade on job

By Kevin Flynn

2006 April 8: Pass holders to see refund

2006 April 8: Union workers end strike against RTD
Friday's vote allows full bus, light-rail service to resume on Monday

By Kevin Vaughan, Kevin Flynn and Myung Oak Kim

2006 April 7: RTD workers cast votes on new contract
By Myung Kim

2006 April 7: 2 strikes hit city in '82
Shortened Broncos season, RTD walkout a double whammy

By David Montero

2006 April 7: Offer: more money, faster
By Kevin Flynn

2006 April 7: Negotiators on both sides stayed positive
Union, RTD officials determined to seek quick end to walkout

By Kevin Flynn

2006 April 7: Views vary among union members
By Charlie Brennan

2006 March 31: CU prepares for possible RTD strike

* The Denver Post --

2006 April 11: Bus contractor's union might strike
By Jeffrey Leib

2006 April 9: Denver's bloody transit strike
By Ed Quillen

2006 April 8: RTD strike over Monday
By George Merritt

2006 April 7: RTD deal front-end loaded
By George Merritt

2006 April 6: Hands-off pols avoid being 5th wheels in strike
Getting involved would be a good way "to make lots of enemies and very few friends," a pollster says.

By Jeremy P. Meyer

2006 April 5: Possible breakthrough in RTD strike

2006 April 4: Strike leaves riders fending for selves
By Jeffrey Leib and George Merritt

2006 April 4: Strike negotiations still on hold
By Kim Nguyen

2006 April 3: RTD workers strike
55% nix transit contract, choose pickets for first time since '82. Union members say the deal falls short in raises and health care. RTD had said that was its last offer.

By John Ingold and Jim Kirksey

2006 April 3: Transit strike begins
By Sandy Shore

2006 April 2: RTD workers reject contract - on strike
By John Ingold


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News Articles Regarding Averted Pittsburgh [PAT] Public Transit Strike - 2005

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From the Philadelphia Daily News - 2005 November 18
SEPTA OKs contracts with 2 unions By DAN GERINGER

From the Philadelphia Inquirer - 2005 November 18
Leaders of unions that split from AFL-CIO to meet in Vegas
By Jane M. Von Bergen

From the Philadelphia Daily News - 2005 November 17
Letters: Shining, despite strike

From the Philadelphia Inquirer - 2005 November 17
Letters: Trump this
Re: "SEPTA's new line: Trading cards" (Nov. 12): Are you kidding me?

From the Philadelphia Daily News - 2005 November 16
SEPTA workers OK new labor contract By DAN GERINGER

From the Philadelphia Inquirer - 2005 November 16
Local 234 approves deal that ended SEPTA strike (By Larry King & Frederick Cusick)

From the Philadelphia Inquirer - 2005 November 14
A writers' bloc tackles Great American Novel
1,667 words a day; one month to finish

By Kristen A. Graham

From the Philadelphia Inquirer - 2005 November 13
Regarding transit strike against SEPTA in Philadelphia.

SEPTA's next challenge: Find permanent funding

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - 2005 November 13:
Getting Around: Port Authority labor stalemate spurs Onorato, Rendell to action
By Joe Grata
Compares Philadelphia transit strike with possible Pittsburgh transit strike.

From the Philadelphia Media - 2005 November 12
Regarding transit strike against SEPTA in Philadelphia.

CORRECTION

Posted on Sat, Nov. 12, 2005
As part of its tentative contract agreement with Transport Workers Local 234, SEPTA must inform drivers of any disciplinary actions within 7 days of the infraction, not 72 hours as stated by a union spokesman in yesterday's paper.

Bubble gum not included.
SEPTA's new line: Trading cards

Letters | Letters
Why do we pay?

From the Philadelphia Media - 2005 November 11
Regarding transit strike against SEPTA in Philadelphia.

Letters | SEPTA CHAIRMAN RESPONDS TO CARLA'S COLUMN

SEPTA, 2d union still talking

A smaller workers group returned from the strike amid final negotiations over work rules.

Union, SEPTA both see gains in contract

SEPTA still at odds with suburban local

Man hit by train committed suicide, police say
AND News in Brief

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - 2005 November 11:
Editorial: Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances: Please, Ed, no
Opposes mediation of public transit talks by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer - 2005 Nov. 10:
Regarding transit strike against SEPTA in Philadelphia.

Shifting health-care costs
More employers link premium contributions to wages.

From the Philadelphia Daily News - 2005 Nov. 10:
Gunn fired as Amtrak prez

From the Philadelphia Inquirer - 2005 Nov. 10:
On the Side | New crop of pink slips at old Reading Market

From the Philadelphia Inquirer (Associated Press) - 2005 Nov. 10:
Board fires Amtrak's Gunn

It said faster change was needed for debt-laden public rail. Democrats questioned the move.

From the Philadelphia Media - 2005 November 9
Regarding transit strike against SEPTA in Philadelphia.

Urban Warrior | More buried SEPTA savings?

Lucia Herndon | Transit strike became an exercise in camaraderie

Letters | Letters
Abandoning SEPTA

Tom Ferrick Jr. | Churning over that 'new leaf '

From the Philadelphia Media - 2005 November 8
Regarding transit strike against SEPTA in Philadelphia.

SEPTA CONTRACT GLOW
STRIKE MAY BE OVER, BUT QUESTIONS AREN'T

How deal was made for union, SEPTA

The pair who powered the SEPTA deal

U.S. Rep Robert A. Brady relied on his patience to deal with both sides. Gov. Rendell banked on his authority over the state-created transit agency.

Workers 'hate to lose money'

Ronnie Polaneczky | Strike a deal for no strikes

ON THE ROAD, AGAIN!
Early-morning negotiations result in end of city transit strike

Elmer Smith | Da Guv rides in as savior

SEPTA Settlement
Editorial | Next stop: Transit funding

Thanks to Gov. Rendell, SEPTA is moving again. Now, lawmakers must deliver on dedicated funding for Pennsylvania mass transit systems.

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - 2005 November 8:
Transit union board approves strike vote By Jim Ritchie

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - 2005 November 8:
Transit strike possible Nov. 25
Buses, trolleys could be idle on busiest shopping day of the year

By Joe Grata

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - 2005 November 8:
Agreement ends Philadelphia mass-transit strike By The Associated Press
Also, PAT union approves November 20 vote for Pittsburgh transit strike.

From the Pittsburgh Trib p.m. - 2005 November 7:
Port Authority union leaders vote for driver strike

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - 2005 November 7:
Philly transit strike ends By John Loviglio, AP, The Associated Press
Also, PAT union approves November 20 vote for Pittsburgh transit strike.

From the Philadelphia Media - 2005 November 7
Regarding transit strike against SEPTA in Philadelphia.

SEPTA strike is over

Letters | THE STRIKE STRATEGY THAT HELPS SEPTA RIDERS

SEPTA, unions 'pretty close'

That was Gov. Rendell's assessment. He joined the negotiations yesterday to end the weeklong walkout.

SEPTA, city extend lease of subway
The complex arrangement was set to expire Dec. 31, but both sides agreed to a two-year delay. Talks could get dicey then.

Letters | A primer on premiums

GUV REIGNITES TALKS

A stereotype thought experiment

Clearing the record

John Grogan | Biking the strike has its perks

From the Philadelphia Inquirer - 2005 November 6
Regarding transit strike against SEPTA in Philadelphia.

Signs say SEPTA strike will not be prolonged

Rendell expected to meet unions

Mayor Street and state and U.S. lawmakers have sat down with officials, a union spokesman said.

From the Philadelphia Media - 2005 November 3, 4, & 5
Regarding transit strike against SEPTA in Philadelphia.

3d day with no SEPTA talks

A union leader criticized lawmakers who have stayed on the sidelines. No more negotiations are scheduled.

As SEPTA strike marches on, Rendell may step in

Rendell: SEPTA strike hurts funding

Rendell poised to enter SEPTA talks

That's what you think

Day 5 of strike, with no end in sight

What makes strikes work?

Downed wires snarl rail lines

Pedal Push

Transit strike seen as sending a bad message

Letters | What PGW's job isn't (or SEPTA's)

SEPTA, union still at odds

Letters | SEPTA STRIKE HAS OUR READERS RAILING

Longing for SEPTA - and its passengers of the morning

TOKEN SOLUTION

Negotiators and riders carving out new routines

This time around, politicians are on sidelines

Transit walkout slows Center City businesses

THE GREAT TRANSIT RACE

Dan Gross | Jeff Penalty out front -- ALSO: Old City's SEPTA strike blues

Rotan E. Lee | MANDATORY PREVENTION

Masterman in two finals
This week, students who count on SEPTA to get to school had to find other means of transportation.

Transit workers' valued benefit
Fully paid insurance set SEPTA apart from most.

Surviving the SEPTA Strike
Editorial | 10 tips for staying cool, not cranky

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pittsburgh - 2005 November 2:
Same issues, different routes By Jim Ritchie
Compares Philadelphia transit strike with possible Pittsburgh transit strike.

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pittsburgh - 2005 November 2:
SEPTA strike enters third day By The Associated Press

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pittsburgh - 2005 November 1:
Philly commuters scramble By The Associated Press
Philadelphia public transit strike began October 31.

From the Philadelphia Media - 2005 November 1 & 2

Regarding short bargaining session between SEPTA and the TWU on November 1, which resulted in no progress in settling the public transit strike in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania suburbs:

Letters | DEBATE RAGES ON CRIPPLING SEPTA STRIKE

SEPTA, unions resume bargaining

No further talks scheduled after latest bid stalls

Late-night SEPTA talks break down

Letters | He's not a fan of SEPTA union

Feel the pain

Surviving the strike

Street, Rendell not quite ready to join the fray

Talks collapse again

Harried commuters adapting

Crush hour

Student beaten on way from school

Brown said her brother often rides SEPTA home from school or gets a ride from family, but was on foot on Monday because of the strike.

John Grogan | Losers abound in SEPTA strike

When they can, SEPTA riders take to the rails

SEPTA, union still trading charges

Letters | SEPTA STOPS & THE LETTERS START POURING IN

Right on schedule: SEPTA riders' ire

Ronnie Polaneczky | Let's air ALL ideas to settle this lousy strike

SEPTA Strike
Editorial | For riders, it's the agony of da-feet

Commuters tell their tales of woe

Commuters use ingenuity to handle strike

City slows to a crawl
Riders rely on bikes, skateboards

Strike hurts attendance at schools

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 October 31:
SEPTA unions begin strike By Larry King

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 October 31:
Commuters scramble to replace SEPTA
Transit strike strands 400,000

By Larry Fish

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 October 31:
Businesses, employees cope with SEPTA strike By Jane M. Von Bergen

From the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia - 2005 October 31:
Plans against a strike

From the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia - 2005 October 31:
NO HAPPY HALLOWEEN FOR TRANSIT COMMUTERS By DAN GERINGER

From the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia - 2005 October 31:
Philadelphia transit unions go on strike
By JANICE PODSADA, Associated Press

From KYW-AM 1060 News Radio, Philadelphia - 2005 October 31:
SEPTA Strike: Commuters Adapt, Some Painfully

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 October 29:
Transit union walks out of talks

As Monday's deadline neared, the Transport Workers president said he was preparing for a strike. SEPTA called the move "theatrics."
By Larry King

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 October 29:
Businesses bracing for SEPTA strike By Jane M. Von Bergen

From the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia - 2005 October 29:
TWU storms out of SEPTA talks By REGINA MEDINA & DAVE DAVIES

From the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia - 2005 October 29:
SEPTA union president walks out of contract talks

From the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia - 2005 October 29:
Transit union breaks off talks

From KYW-AM 1060 News Radio, Philadelphia - 2005 October 29:
Two Days Until Possible SEPTA Strike by KYW's Mike DeNardo

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From the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority [SEPTA], Philadelphia - 2005 Oct. 28:
Service Interruption Plan [SEPTA's Strike Guide]

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From the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia - 2005 October 25:
SEPTA, TWU talk face-to-face By DAN GERINGER

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 October 25:
SEPTA prepares rail riders for strike

Expect crowding if the other lines go out, officials say. Talks continue in the face of a Halloween walkout deadline.
By Larry King

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 October 25:
SEPTA union launches TV ads to gain rider support By Larry King

From the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia - 2005 October 25:
Editorial: STRIKE OUT
HERE WE GO AGAIN.

From the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia - 2005 October 24:
Transit agency preps public for possible Oct. 31 strike
Associated Press

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 October 23:
A strike may push SEPTA off course

If two unions walk off the job on Halloween, the agency could lose potential funding and recently gained riders.
By Larry King

From the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia - 2005 October 18:
Suburban transit workers join TWU in announcing strike deadline vs. SEPTA
By DAN GERINGER

From the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia - 2005 October 18:
Letter-to-the-Editor: SEPTA union: We had a deal
By Jeffrey L. Brooks, President of Transport Workers Union Local 234
Union response to recent Philadelphia Daily News editorial.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 October 18:
Union puts SEPTA on notice for Oct. 31 strike

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 October 14:
Changing Skyline | Cool beauty

The crystalline Cira Centre bewitches with its ever-changing blue moods. Its deepest flaw is a certain standoffishness.
By Inga Saffron, Inquirer Architecture Critic
New 29-floor office tower built over Philadelphia's 30th Street Station Rail Yards, with direct pedestrian connection to the 30th Street Railroad Station in Philadelphia.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 October 3:
SEPTA workers set strike deadline
The transit agency and its largest union are at odds over medical costs in the contract.
Members could strike Oct. 31.

By Tina Moore and Mitch Lipka

From the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia - 2005 October 3:
TWU threatens strike over health care $
SEPTA says position won't change; union vows its stance won't either

By DAN GERINGER

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 June 24:
SEPTA gets help with deficit By Jere Downs

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission [DVRPC] votes, unanimously, to "flex" $215 million of allocated highway money to fund the the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority [SEPTA] through 2006 December.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 June 15:
SEPTA, union agree to keep talking By Jere Downs
SEPTA Deadline Passes Without Strike

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 April 14:
SEPTA-TWU: Extension By DAN GERINGER

From the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia - 2005 April 14:
Editorial | A threat to riders, workers, funding

From the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia - 2005 April 14:
SEPTA deadline delayed 60 days

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia - 2005 April 12:
Deadline draws near for SEPTA talks By Jere Downs
Regarding possible transit strike in Philadelphia on April 15.


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