The following message about how the University would react to a possible upcoming SEPTA strike was sent to the Drexel community.
There is a possibility of a strike by SEPTA City Transit Division as early as 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 31. SEPTA's website has specific information about the services that would be impacted by a strike. The services that would not be affected and would continue to operate include SEPTA Regional Rail, SEPTA Suburban Transit, LUCY (Loop through University City), CCT Connect (for registered ADA and Shared Ride customers), PATCO, New Jersey Transit.
In the event of a strike, Drexel University would remain open as we have with past strikes. We are partnering with other major University City institutions to provide shuttle service linking riders from the 69th Street Transit Center and the PATCO terminus at 15th and Locust streets to our campuses. Details on that contingency plan are provided below.
The Provost's Office and colleges are working on contingency plans to ensure continuity of instruction for our students in the event of a strike. All students, faculty and professional staff who use SEPTA services that may be affected by the strike are urged to make alternate transportation plans. Supervisors are encouraged to work proactively with their teams to meet the operating needs of their departments and to provide flexibility where possible.
In the event of a strike, traffic is expected to be heavy and parking scarce. When possible, rather than driving to work, Drexel community members are encouraged to use appropriate alternative means of transportation, such as walking, biking, carpools or the regional rail system, and to allow sufficient time for the delays they are likely to encounter. There is an Indego bike share station outside the Drexel Recreation Center at 33rd and Market streets and many others throughout University City and Center City.
SHUTTLE SERVICE: In the event of a strike, Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania will collaborate to operate buses to and from key transportation points in Center City beginning the morning of the first business day immediately following the beginning of the strike (e.g. the morning of November 1 if the strike begins at 11:59 p.m. on October 31). The bus service will operate during the morning and evening peak travel hours to 15th and Locust Streets (for PATCO and Suburban Station) and from the 69th Street Terminal, 6787 Market Street, at the EMG Medical Center. Please see the Drexel Transit Services SEPTA Strike Contingency Plan [PDF] for specific times and locations.
Additionally, Drexel University will be operating a Campus Bus Service from the University City Campus west to 63rd and Market streets and returning east on Chestnut to 33rd and Chestnut streets. Please see the contingency schedule for times and locations (times are approximate because of the possibility of heavy traffic).
The University's existing Powelton/Spring Garden, Dragon and Queen Lane route buses will continue to operate on their normal schedules.
Riders of all bus routes must present a valid Drexel ID and wear a mask at all times when riding.
PARKING: All University community members are encouraged to use carpools and alternate transportation when possible. Permit parking lots and the garage are still reserved for parking permit holders only and are currently operating on a waitlist. Metered lots are available at the posted rates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Information concerning this emergency transportation plan and other SEPTA strike related information is available through Drexel Real Estate and Facilities' Bus Service webpage, the Facilities Management Transit Hotline 215.895.1700, and transitinfo@drexel.edu. You may also consult SEPTA's Service Information in the Event of a Service Interruption.
Should a strike occur, we will communicate final plans and provide as much support as possible to the University community. We appreciate your collaboration as always.
Sincerely,
Helen Bowman
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer
Paul E. Jensen
Executive Vice President, Nina Henderson Provost and University Professor