Regional Rail packed as SEPTA strike begins
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Many commuters had to find a backup plan after union SEPTA workers went on strike, shutting down most of the mass transit options inside Philadelphia.
One of the services still running was Regional Rail, which takes riders in and around the city. All of those extra commuters, however, made for crowded conditions Tuesday morning.
"It's crazy!" said Yvonne Lewis.
For those who don't usually ride Regional Rail, this certainly isn't where they want to be.
"I usually take the Broad Street Line to get back and forth from CCP," said student Jay Foster. "With that down I have no choice but to wait for here and get to classes."
RELATED: For the latest information, visit 6abc.com/SEPTAStrike
He wasn't alone. A lot of people had to make adjustments.
"I live in Hunting Park so it took me 40 minutes to walk from Hunting Park to here," said Fred Santos.
And some big ones at home.
"A huge inconvenience for my son," said Luke Tate. "He has autism and he's used to a regular routine."
Loretta Johnson says her two sons go to college and work, but because of the strike they're not making money.
"They may not make it to work but they're going to school," she said. "Making sure of that."
Though we did speak with one rider, Sharron, who sympathized with the striking SEPTA workers.
"There are issues with pension and healthcare and I think they're very serious and should be addressed. Even though we're inconvenienced these are relevant issues," she said.
At suburban station, the information desk was besieged with city transit riders trying to cobble together an alternate route. Debra Dancey was able to get to Center City from Bryn Mawr hospital where she works. However...
"I am trying to figure out how I am going to get home. I live in the Logan part of Philadelphia," she said. "It's going to be very difficult."
