During Septa Strike, Some Desperate Travelers Try Taxicabs, Others Dig Out the Bike

Catching a cab during the Septa mass transit strike is one alternative -- albeit an expensive one.  Bicycles are cheaper but perhaps too challenging for the daily trip of many commuters.

KYW's Steve Tawa reports from 30th Street Station, where dispatcher Frederick Thomas was easing passengers into a constant line of cabs.  On the north side of the station, there's a pen for cabs but it was vacant, because no hacks were idling.

"We keep 45-65 cabs there all day long. There are none there now. Between the traffic and them taking longer jobs, we'll be stressed all day for cabs."

Several drivers complained about increased traffic and the burden on some of their passengers who would normally be budgeting for a bus or subway ride:

"I feel bad for the customers."

But are more people who would normally be taking buses and subways now trying to hail a cab?

"Absolutely."


KYW's Mike Dunn reports that the Philadelphia Parking Authority, which regulates taxicabs in the city, says it will allow cabbies to pick up multiple fares during the transit strike, charging each passenger separately.  And it will permit out-of-town cabs to pick up fares within the city limits.  The PPA press release is below.


KYW's Lynne Adkins reports that a local bicycle advocacy group is pushing "pedal power" as an alternative way to work during the Septa transit strike.

"Bike the strike" is the suggestion of Alex Doty, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

But before you do, he says, have your bike inspected for safety (at no charge at many city bike shops), then obey the rules of the road:

"Ride with traffic.  Wear a helmet. You can get a helmet at your local bike shop. And to make sure you're predictable in traffic, give hand signals whether going left or right."

Members of his group will be on Dilworth Plaza, at the west side of Philadelphia City Hall, from 8am until 6pm each day during the strike with helpful tips and answers to your commuting questions. 

Statement issued by Phila. Parking Authority on Relaxed Taxicab Regulations During Strike:

As a result of the work stoppage by SEPTA employees on their subway and surface lines, the Philadelphia Parking Authority issued an order expanding the number of vehicles permitted to provide traditional taxicab service in Philadelphia.
 
The order will permit "shared rides" in all such taxicabs, which is not typically permitted (different people going to different places). It will also permit all limousines, partial rights cabs and county cabs to provide service to customers in the city.
 
Such Alternative Taxicab service should be provided with a special emphasis on serving the following sites:       
1.  The Philadelphia International Airport;
2.   The Pennsylvania Convention Center;
3.   Train and Bus Terminals; 
4.   Hotels; and
5.   Areas Designated for Special Events.
 
Alternative cabs operating during this weekend will charge $28.50 for trips between the Philadelphia International Airport and Center City. This current $28.50 flat rate between the Airport and Center City, may also be charged by meterless Alternative Taxicabs for the same trip.  All fares charged by vehicles unequipped with a meter will be by mileage, calculated by the odometer being set at zero before each trip.  This method of mileage calculation will be explained to all passengers before they begin their trip.
 
The mileage rate for all “alternative taxicabs” will be $2.50 for sedans and $3.00 for stretch limousines.  The mileage rate for any trip may not fluctuate based on the number of passengers.  No charge may be made for additional passengers.