Thoughts on the SEPTA strike

So, there's a SEPTA strike. Yes, it's inconvenient for a lot of people, me included. So what's everyone's response? Some version of "I hate SEPTA" or "I hate the workers" or something like that.

Stop hating the workers. They spend all day driving you around. They have to put up with everyone's complaints about everything (most of which have nothing to do with them and are not their fault). You might look at the news articles and say "OMG, their average salary is $52,000 a year? And they want a raise??" Okay, try working a 60-hour work week, and then tell me if that's still how you feel.

So now that you've moved past the workers, the next logical thing is to say "SEPTA management sucks." In this line of thought, the management hates the workers and is greedy and just wants money. Okay, I could certainly see this being the case if SEPTA was some greedy corporation. The only problem is this: SEPTA is not a greedy corporation! Rather, SEPTA is an underfunded government agency. They already need more money as it is. The reason that management doesn't want to spend too much on the contracts is that they don't want to have to make cuts to the rest of the budget.

So what's the solution? Give SEPTA the adequate funding that it needs! The funding it needs to provide high-quality services to all of its passengers while still giving all of its workers the compensation that they deserve.


Now that I've said all that, there are a couple of things that I am a little upset about (besides that fact that SEPTA is underfunded):
--Governor and Mayor: Calling things irresponsible and outrageous isn't helpful. This would be a nice time to highlight the need for funding.
--Management: This would be a good chance to highlight the fact that SEPTA is underfunded. Instead, they are just blaming this on the workers.
--TWU: Okay, so first, a strike is on the table. Everyone's worried. Then, a big announcement is made that talks will continue, but the prospect of a strike is off the table. Everyone is relieved. And then you strike in the middle of the night? If you're gonna strike, (1) don't specifically say that you are not going to strike, and (2) give a little more advance notice.


So yeah. Conclusion: stop yelling at the union and/or management, and realize the fact that SEPTA needs more funding.



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On a related note, I have noticed a lot of misconceptions. Here are some:



"There is no SEPTA service running." Regional Rail, suburban
trolleys, most suburban buses, and LUCY are all running. Note that for
Regional Rail, trains are running with delays, and during peak hours,
you will be required to purchase your ticket before boarding (no
onboard sales).



"I can't use my TransPass on Regional Rail." While it is
important to note that you cannot use a student pass on Regional Rail
at any time, during the strike, a regular adult TransPass is valid on
all Regional Rail travel within the city limits (except to/from Forest
Hills and Somerton). Also, note that on weekends, TransPasses have
"anywhere" privileges.



"This was to be expected. They do this like every year." The last time a strike happened was 2005.



"We have the highest fares in the country." New York's are higher.



Hope this helps.