SEPTA unveils service interruption plan in case of strike

SEPTA has unveiled its service interruption plan in the event of a strike should ongoing union contract negotiations fall flat.

Why it matters: If SEPTA workers represented by Transport Workers Union Local 234 (TWU) walk off the job, thousands of residents would be without reliable service to get where they need to go.

Driving the news: SEPTA posted its contingency plan on its website Monday.

• The move came after union members voted to authorize a strike on Sunday, handing union president Willie Brown the ability to call a strike if negotiations fail.

Details: Under the plan, SEPTA won't run city transit bus lines or trolley and trackless trolley routes if a strike occurs.

• It also won't operate the Market-Frankford, Broad Street and Broad-Ridge Spur lines.

Meanwhile, Regional Rail service, suburban trolley routes and the Norristown High Speed line will stay in operation, according to the plan. As will:

• Suburban bus routes (although some routing and schedules will change)
• Loop through University City (LUCY)
• CCT Connect

Of note: Regional Rail will operate with more frequent service, and express trains may make additional stops, according to SEPTA's plan.

• Unused passes purchased before a service interruption will be eligible for a refund.

What they're saying: A union spokesperson said in an email that "progress" was made at the bargaining table on Monday.

• "The negotiations have been productive, and we remain hopeful that a contract agreement can be reached soon," SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch told Axios in an email.

What's ahead: The union's contract expires at midnight Sunday.