SEPTA Transit Police Officers Striking: Officials

PHILADELPHIA — SEPTA transit police officers are striking as contract negotiations stall, according to SEPTA and a news report.

According to SEPTA, Transit Police officers are on strike effective immediately.

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOTP) Transit Police Officers Lodge 109 represents 178 officers with the SEPTA Transit Police Department, SEPTA said.

The FOTP said Wednesday, March 6 that due to working for more than a year of working without a contract agreement, more than 200 SEPTA transit police officers are striking, according to Fox 29.

SEPTA does not expect the strike to result in any service disruptions for customers.

Omari Bervine, the union's president, said transit police are underpaid and understaffed, Fox 29 reports.

Bervine told the outlet the union will continue to negotiate and "is willing to come back to the table once a fair and equitable contract is presented."

SEPTA said it has been negotiating with the FOTP in hopes of reaching a fair and equitable contract agreement.

"We urge the FOTP to return to the bargaining table so a resolution can be reached," SEPTA said.

SEPTA implemented a contingency plan due to the strike

Forty-nine SEPTA police supervisors will remain on duty, and they will work 12-hour shifts on patrols throughout the system.

In addition, the Philadelphia Police Department will provide assistance, including an increased presence at major transportation centers at school dismissal time, and checks of stations, cashier booths and vehicles throughout the service day.

Police in suburban communities will also help with patrols and responses in outlying parts of the SEPTA system.

SEPTA customers should continue to call 911 or dial SEPTA Transit Police dispatchers at (215) 580-8111 if they need assistance, or to report suspicious or unusual activity.

Customers can also report incidents to police using the SEPTA Transit Watch app, which is available as a free download for Apple and Android customers. For more information about the SEPTA Transit Watch app, including links for downloads, visit the SEPTA website here.