SEPTA, union resume talks to avoid strike

PHILADELPHIA - March 10, 2014 (WPVI) -- Talks have resumed between SEPTA and its transit workers union as both sides work to avoid a strike.

The current contract expires at the stroke of midnight Saturday.

The contract covers thousands of SEPTA city transit division workers in Local 234, including subway employees, bus and trolley drivers. As the deadline looms, riders in Center City were hoping both sides could reach an agreement before it's too late.

"I don't think they should go on strike as far as people going to work. It'll be hard for people to get to work," said Raymond Harris of North Philadelphia.

SEPTA's city and suburban transit divisions move nearly 800,000 passengers daily. City transit workers last went on strike back in 2009 for six days.

Riders here don't want a repeat.

"At the time I was in high school, so I had a ride going back to school. Now that I'm older, I have to rely on myself - I'm more responsible. So it will be more difficult to do that," said Rasheeda Sloan of West Philadelphia.

We're still awaiting comment from Local 234. However, SEPTA officials have said they're hopeful a deal can be reached that will be satisfactory to both asides.

Source: 6abc.com