Dear Temple community,  

As you may know, members of SEPTA’s largest union voted to authorize a strike, and service on city buses, trolleys and subways will stop at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, if SEPTA does not reach an agreement with Transport Workers Union Local 234 City Transit Division. A work stoppage would not impact Regional Rail.  

As with past SEPTA strikes, Temple University will be open for business as usual and in-person classes and events will be held as scheduled. Temple is making contingency plans to help minimize the effects of a service interruption for members of the university community. These plans include supplementary shuttle services and enhanced available parking. Employees will be expected to report to work on time to ensure uninterrupted service to students and patients. Please talk with your supervisor if you have questions regarding expectations.  

We encourage you to review SEPTA’s website for up-to-date information, and begin planning alternate arrangements, such as carpooling, for your travel.  

The information below is being provided in the event that a strike occurs.  

Remote work  

Uninterrupted service to our students and university community is always the priority. Without interrupting in-person classes, where there are opportunities to implement or expand remote work opportunities or flex hours to ease the impact on employees without compromising service, please consider doing so. Discuss challenges and opportunities with your direct reports prior to any potential SEPTA stoppage so that all are prepared and have a clear understanding of expectations.  

Shuttle services  

In addition to regular shuttle service between campuses, the university will offer students, faculty and staff additional shuttle services along Broad Street, Monday through Friday, with stops running between Broad and Locust streets to Broad and Cheltenham. These shuttles will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so please make contingency plans if needed. Visit Shuttle Services for more information. 

You must show a valid OWLcard, either physical or digital, to board the shuttle.

Parking  

Temple will offer discounted parking rates of $13 per day, based on availability, during the duration of the strike. To take advantage of this daily rate, you must purchase a daily parking permit using Temple’s TU Parking account and searching for ‘SEPTA strike permits.” These permits are valid at Temple’s surface lots from 7 a.m. to 10:45 p.m., and in garages from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Once purchased, you will receive an email containing a QR code that you will scan upon entering and exiting your assigned parking facility.  

If you do not want to pre-purchase a daily permit online, the following options are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

• Cecil B. Moore Lot (Cecil B. Moore Avenue between 12th and 13th streets): $6/hour or $22/day 
• Tuttleman Lot (Montgomery Avenue between 12th and 13th streets): $7/hour
• Liacouras Garage (15th Street between Montgomery and Cecil B. Moore avenues): $22/day  
• Montgomery Garage (11th Street between Montgomery Avenue and Berks Street): $6/hour  

Please note that you are only guaranteed a parking space if you pre-purchase the daily permit. This permit can only be purchased online.  

For detailed instructions on how to sign up for daily permits, please visit Temple’s Parking Services website. 

While we all hope for a timely resolution, it is critical to plan ahead and make arrangements in the event of a strike. Monitor SEPTA’s website and local media for developments.  

We appreciate your commitment to Temple.  

Sincerely,  

Ken Kaiser  
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer