SEPTA Strike Shouldn't Impact Nationals
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Declaration of Derby
PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Just ten days before the Declaration of Derby 2009 WFTDA National Championship Tournament gets under way, over 5000 SEPTA transit workers walked off the job, leaving commuters stranded throughout the greater Philadelphia area.
The city's strong transit system was a key factor in the suitability of the Pennsylvania Convention Center to host this event. While the strike has forced SEPTA to suspend service on nearly all lines, SEPTA's Service Interruption Guide indicates that the R1 rail line remains on a regular schedule. The R1 serves the airport, the event venue, and the event hotel, and is the one critical transit line most event attendees will need.
Philly Roller Girls head ref Zombielicious recently posted the following reassurance to various online forums:
"There have been some reported delays, and passengers must buy their tickets before boarding the train. But, I just heard from Professor Murder, who is in town for a conference and he said the trip went very easy for him. This is only the second day of the strike, and if it lasts, things should be running even more smooth by next week.
"And while busses and other trains are not running, most places to go/eat/drink are either within walking distance, or are a cheap cab ride away.
"So, if you are flying in, we are still encouraging you to use the airport train, or to take a cab to/from the airport. Cabs will cost about $30 to Center City, and will take up to 3 passengers."
Comments
Good to know.
Thanks. I posted this in our league forum.
tickets for train
prof murder is in town and he was able to buy his tickets on the train.
and congrats to Statsi who is PRG's new Head Ref.
Your Non-Bar Booze Options
Wine and spirits available just off the corner of 12th and Market, right outside the Marriott.
Carryout beer at 12th & Walnut, "Pac-a-Deli." This place ain't particularly cheap though.
Premium Collection Store
If your tastes run rare and/or expensive, there's a Premium Wine & Spirits store a block south on 12th and Chestnut. I haven't been to that one, but I have been to the Top of the Hill another seven blocks west and that had everything I needed.
Boozegasm
Just found this out today. If you don't have plans for Thursday night and are looking for forty ways to leave your liver, then head over to the Union League by 6:30. Philadelphia Magazine and Penn LCB are hosting a whiskey festival:
http://www.phillymag.com/whiskeyfest/index.html
Sure it's $95 dollars at the door, but that's like an average after-party tab!
These are pretty standard industry events where they give you a glass and you walk around for three hours while nice people fill your glass and talk about what they put in there. It's like a magical alcohol experience.
By the looks of it the Union League is about four blocks from the hotel. Easy stumbling distance. Go for it!
return trip
If the strike continues through the duration of the event, you will need to purchase your return ticket for the R1 at one of the box offices at the Market East station. Currently you have to stand in line for the appropriate train and they won't let you down the stairs to catch the train unless you have purchased your ticket in advance.
As Zombie mentions above, you don't need to purchase tickets in advance from the Airport.
tef
strike is over!
thankfully this is all a moot point now...the strike ended last night.