You have to hand it to SEPTA’s city division union. Their sense of timing is impeccable.

Last week the union threatened to bring the city’s transit system to a halt by going on strike, just as the eyes of the nation focused on the city for three World Series games at Citizens Bank Park.

Cooler heads prevailed. Gov. Ed. Rendell entered the talks, got the two sides back to the table, and got the union to say they would not walk out while the World Series was being played.

They were good to their word. They waited until a few minutes after Game
5 of the Series was over last night before announcing that talks had broken down and they would be on strike as of 3 a.m.

At least they allowed all those fans who used the Broad Street subway to get back on the system and back to their destination before hitting the bricks.

So as the region's Phillies fans this morning are enjoying the 'thrill of victory,' for SEPTA's city riders it will instead be the "agony of de-feet."

Here’s a few hints on what things will be like this morning. About the only thing running into the city will be the regional rail lines.

Here’s a tip. If you normally use regional rails, consider going farther west to get on. The trains likely will be packed. If you wait for trains to get to the eastern end of the county, they likely will be full.

If you use the Market-Frankford El to go downtown, make another plan.
It’s not running.

Once in the city, you’re basically on your own. You have two choices – a cab or your two feet. Wear comfortable shoes. Cabs will be hard to come by.

Foot power might be your best bet.

And finally this. Expect the afternoon commute to be a nightmare as well.

We survived the Series. Now we’re going to have to survive a “series”
transit mess.

Be patient.