Philly Transit Strike May Mean Rush-Hour Misery

About 400 workers at a Philadelphia-area regional rail system went on strike this morning, shutting down 13 train lines that carry commuters to the suburbs and Philadelphia International Airport. The strike began after negotiations between the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and two unions failed to reach a new contract deal. Subways, trolleys, and buses operated by SEPTA will continue to run. Still, the strike will affect tens of thousands of people, including hospital, airport, and retail workers, although its full effect won't be felt until Monday's rush hour.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett is considering whether to ask President Obama to intervene, says a spokesperson. One of his options is to ask Obama to appoint an emergency board to intervene in the negotiations and block a strike for up to 240 days. The impasse adds to commuting headaches in the region, where major construction projects are making it more difficult than usual to get around. (More Philadelphia stories.)