SEPTA operating on normal schedule Monday as contract negotiations set to resume with workers union

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- SEPTA riders can rest easy, at least for now. There will not be a transit strike on Monday, but a walkout is still not off the table.

"These things can change as it goes along. So we don't want to really predict it further than that, but we do have the union's word that they'll keep their members on the job [Monday] as we go to these talks," SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch said.

On Friday, leaders with Transport Workers Union Local 234 said a strike was imminent, leaving riders in limbo as they tried to plan how to get to work or school.

RELATED: 'A strike is imminent': SEPTA's largest workers union poised to hit picket lines

A strike would shut down bus and trolley service, and all service on the Market -Frankford and Broad Street lines.

Regional Rail would not be impacted, as those workers are represented by a different union.

Governor Shapiro stepped in over the weekend. His staff met with union leaders and SEPTA representatives late Sunday afternoon.

"Governor Shapiro was instrumental in preventing a strike that could have started as soon as Monday morning. We're grateful for his close involvement and support," said union president Will Vera.

"And that was really critical here," Busch said. "We were at an impasse on Friday. You know, discussions weren't in a good place, and we thought we might be headed toward a strike."

Negotiations resume Monday.

A strike would also impact the thousands of students in the School District of Philadelphia who use SEPTA daily.

The district is already making contingency plans in case of a strike, including possibly moving to remote learning if student or staff attendance is "dramatically affected."

Riders we spoke to were anxiously awaiting the outcome of the talks.

"I take it every day, so I'd probably be walking to my job, honestly," Jose Gonzalez said.

"Ubers are too expensive. We got $70 charges, we can't afford that. The bus is where it's at. SEPTA has always had our back. You know, support the workers, but if they go on strike, we're gonna be out of luck," Kelsey McCord said.