PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Time is running out for SEPTA to reach a new contract agreement with union workers.

Members of Transportation Workers Union Local 234 could hit the picket line Friday if an agreement isn’t reached by then.

Them voted last month to allow a strike.

SEPTA said Wednesday it expects negotiations to continue through Thursday.

The contract ends at 23:59 on Thursday. SEPTA stated that it has not yet been determined whether the union will go on strike and said that the decision will belong to the union leaders.

SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch said the union would shut down all bus, streetcar and subway/EL service in the City of Philadelphia if it called a strike.

“The core portion of the network that covers all of Philadelphia will be out of service,” Busch said.

Regional Rail will enter the city as normal, and suburban transit services (buses, Routes 101 and 102 streetcars, Norristown High Speed ​​Line) will operate.

SEPTA has released guidance showing travel times for drivers in the event of a strike. that guide Posted on SEPTA.org.

Following last month’s strike permit vote, union representatives said they were fighting for more pay and better safety and security.

“Safety and security for my members and the driving public,” Local 234 President Brian Pollitt said. “And we seek economic justice.”

Union members said in October that the ongoing violence in the city had become a big problem for them.

“It’s as if we’re not as important as they say we are, because if we were, safety would be paramount,” Andre Jones Sr., vice president of TWU Local 234, said at the time.

Pollitt added that the union needed extra precautions to ensure the safety of its members.

“We even recommended calling off the National Guard because the situation had gotten so bad,” he said.

A SEPTA spokesman said the transit agency agreed with the safety concerns.

“I think we have a lot in common with this union,” Busch said.

But SEPTA also explained that it would be difficult to get more pay as it faces a financial crisis due to COVID-19 relief funds expiring.

“This really impacts our ability to really get into some of the economic issues regarding this contract,” Busch said.

Residents across the city told Action News the possibility of a strike is alarming for those who rely on SEPTA every day.

“This is going to be a huge inconvenience, not just for me, but for everyone,” said Tonya Green, a West Philadelphia resident who rides SEPTA almost every day. “This is a vital commute for me and others.”

Philadelphia School District plans possible SEPTA strike

The School District of Philadelphia says it is making plans for the SEPTA strike if it starts on Friday.

Officials said the strike would affect 55,000 students who rely on city bus and subway services.

The district has published a list of things to consider in case of a strike, as follows:

• The District is closely monitoring staffing levels and will deploy Central Office staff support as needed.

• In cases where student or staff attendance is significantly impacted by a strike, the District may recommend that the school transition to virtual instruction.

• In such a case, the District and school leadership will ensure that all students, including students with special needs, are equipped with the digital and physical materials they need to participate in virtual learning. Teachers will not provide face-to-face and virtual instruction at the same time.

• Students who are late or absent due to SEPTA-related travel difficulties will not be given a late note or will be excused upon receipt of a note from their parent or guardian.

• Staff arrivals late due to SEPTA-related travel difficulties will be recorded as excused.

• The district is committed to continuing vital support for students and families, such as technology services, security and more.

School district officials will release another update on the situation on Thursday.