SEPTA reaches tentative deal with suburban transit operators union

The deal is the same as the one reached with TWU Local 234 to avert a strike.
A SEPTA bus in Bucks County.
A SEPTA bus in Bucks County. Photo credit Daniella Heminghaus | Bucks County Courier Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — SEPTA has reached a tentative contract agreement with SMART Local 1594, averting a strike by its suburban transit operators.

The transit authority announced the deal this afternoon after the two sides met for negotiations.

It's a two-year contract that includes 3.5% raises each year.

SMART Local 1594 represents more than 300 bus, train and trolley operators in Delaware, Montgomery and Chester counties. The 350-member union voted to authorize a strike last month.

The tentative deal comes just three days after SEPTA reached the same labor agreement with Transport Workers Union Local 234, which also threatened to strike.

The members must vote on and approve the deal before it is finalized.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Daniella Heminghaus | Bucks County Courier Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.